The Iloilo Provincial Government recently convened its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Persons and Technical Working Group (TWG) members for a two-day planning and budgeting session aimed at recalibrating the province’s GAD efforts.
Held annually, this strategic activity ensures the effective integration of gender equality in the province’s policies, plans, and programs.
The two-day planning session highlighted the presentation of the newly issued Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-01 by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
The updated guidelines are designed to simplify and harmonize how local government units (LGUs) prepare, submit, and assess their Gender and Development (GAD) Plans and Budgets (GPBs) and Accomplishment Reports (ARs), ensuring better compliance and faster implementation.
Participants also reviewed key GAD concepts, assessed Iloilo’s CY 2024 GAD accomplishments, and evaluated how GAD funds were utilized. A special session by the PPDO equipped focal persons with practical tools for crafting more gender-responsive project proposals.
On the second day, the group revisited and refined the 2025 GAD Plan and began drafting the 2026 GAD Plan and Budget.
Discussions also emphasized strengthening GAD mainstreaming support mechanisms, focusing on mentorship among focal persons and enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems.
By reinforcing the capacity of its GAD focal teams and ensuring that all GAD-related initiatives are both compliant and community-focused, the Iloilo Provincial Government continues to promote inclusive, equitable development that responds to the needs of every Ilonggo, especially women and vulnerable groups.
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