By: Katrina G. Corona

In order to further improve the Gender and Development (GAD) activities and strengthen the GAD mainstreaming programs of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region IV-A, its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) held once again its benchmarking activity last May 3, 2023 at the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna.

Present in the activity were the officials and department heads of the Municipal Government of Los Baños lead by their Municipal Mayor Anthony F. Genuino and Municipal Vice-Mayor Josephine S. Evangelista. Ms. Rujen A. Polo, DBM ROIV-A GFPS Focal Point Person, expressed her gratitude in behalf of the Department to all officials present and to the Municipal GAD Office headed - Ms. Karen L. Mercado, for hosting the event.

To jumpstart the activity, Ms. Mercado highlighted the importance of GAD mainstreaming in the regular mandate and functions of a local government unit. She delightedly share that their GAD plans are integrated in the implementation of their programs and projects supported by the passage of ordinances. She reiterated that the allocation of a minimum of five percent (5%) for Gender Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) shall also influence the remaining ninety-five percent (95%) of total annual budget towards gender responsiveness.

Moreover, Ms. Mercado together with their Information and Communication System Office, presented their locally-developed Gender and Development System and one of its main features is the capacity to identify gender issues and provide proper analysis for immediate interventions. Further, Ms Mercado proudly says that the database system strictly adheres to the 421 data indicators enumerated in JMC 2013-01, or the Guidelines for the Localization of the Magna Carta of Women which lead them to apply to the Philippine Commission on Women for possible certification as the GAD Focal Learning Hub in the Philippines.

Members of the DBM RO IV-A GFPS have expressed their admiration for the achievements of the municipal government of its GAD programs. Ms. Polo happily responded that the knowledge shared will give additional directions in identifying the appropriate GAD activities based on the data gathered, particularly in allocating funds to GAD programs, projects, and activities (PPAs).

Significantly, this activity demonstrates both national and local governments’ unwavering commitment to establishing best GAD practices that will improve the provision of technical assistance to client agencies.