In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for more gender-sensitive and inclusive governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is rolling out a new program that aims to strengthen inclusivity and safeguard the most vulnerable sectors at the local level.

Called the Local Initiative in Governance and Social Protection or LINGAP, the program harmonizes existing initiatives to ensure effective implementation of social protection policies across LGUs, focusing on gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion (GEDSI).

It is anchored on Executive Order 100 which institutionalizes the country’s Diversity and Inclusion Program (DIP), and Executive Order 51 which safeguards members of the LGBTQIA+ community against discrimination.

Under the LINGAP program, the Department will strengthen LGUs’ implementation of health-related policies such as the Universal Health Care Act, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act, and the Zero Hunger goal. It also supports initiatives on literacy, poverty alleviation, and the advancement of rights and protection of Persons with Disability (PWD), Senior Citizens, Solo Parents, and members of the LGBTQIA+.

A nationwide program launch is set this October to unveil the inter-agency commitments of the DILG on health, nutrition, reproductive health, poverty, education, gender equality, disability, and senior citizens. The activity will also serve as a venue for sharing GEDSI-responsive best practices among LGUs.

With LINGAP, the Department affirms its commitment to gender-sensitive, inclusive, and resilient local governance that enables vulnerable sectors to contribute in nation-building.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-boosts-LGUs-inclusivity-social-protection-efforts-thru-LINGAP-program/NC-2025-1179