DILG to recognize top regional offices 

In a bid to further promote gender equality, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to recognize its top performing regional offices (ROs) for institutional gender mainstreaming initiatives through the maiden offering of the Gender and Development (GAD) Seal Certification Program this year, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

“The DILG is committed to raising the bar in the promotion of GAD-related initiatives in the government sector and of course we would want it to start from us. Itong (This) GAD Seal Certification Program is our contribution towards that goal and a tangible proof of the recipients’ efforts to champion GAD initiatives,” Interior Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. said in a statement on Thursday.

“Bilang Kagawaran na nagsusulong ng good local governance, kinikilala natin ang kahalagahan ng GAD upang makamit ang tunay na pag-unlad (As a department that promotes good local governance, we recognize the importance of GAD in attaining true development). By promoting GAD, we are championing a gender-responsive, inclusive, and sustainable development for all,” he added.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023-070 that Abalos issued last May 12, DILG ROs will be assessed based on: utilization of at least 5 percent of the Agency’s/Institution’s total budget for GAD; institutionalization and functionality of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS); establishment of GAD database; establishment and functionality of committee on decorum and investigation (CODI); availability of breastfeeding station and child-minding station; establishment of GAD corner; provision of GAD-related trainings or technical assistance; and a showcase of GAD-related initiatives or GAD best practices.

The GAD Seal Certification Program will have three components, namely Assessment Criteria and Documentary Requirement; the Scoring System; and the Certification Procedure itself.

Regional offices that acquire a score of 15-19 points shall receive the GAD Seal Certification.

The GAD Seal, Abalos explained, will be valid for one year for the qualified entity and shall be renewed to ensure compliance with the eligibility and minimum requirements set.

The Seal of Certification shall bear the DILG logo and a unique GAD logo design, QR code, GAD Seal number, date of issuance, validity period, and the name and signature of the DILG Secretary.

The National Assessment Committee (NAC) Secretariat from the DILG-Central Office Gender and Development Focal Point System and Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) shall collect all documentary requirements and/or means of verification from June to July 2023.

The conferment ceremony of the GAD seal certification will take place on October 2023.

Abalos said the program is being implemented this year to serve as an incentive and recognition program through an in-depth assessment of the current gender mainstreaming mechanisms of the offices within the Department.

He said the pilot year of the GAD seal certification program will focus on DILG regional offices in 2023, excluding the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Subsequently, the program will extend to DILG provincial offices and local government units from 2024 onwards,” he said.

The GAD seal certification program was first administered in Region 12 when the Regional Gender and Development Committee 12 enjoined all regional line agencies to comply with the minimum requirements derived from Republic Act No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women) and other related laws to earn the GAD seal certification and declare the Prime Regional Center X12 as a GAD Zone.

The DILG Central Office decided to replicate the GAD seal certification program as a way to promote gender mainstreaming nationwide.