DILG devolves GAD budget review to LGUs, accelerates gender programs nationwide
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has rolled out a faster and more streamlined system for reviewing Gender and Development (GAD) plans and budgets, strengthening the capacity of local governments to deliver gender-responsive programs where they are needed most.
Through a nationwide training program, the DILG equipped LGU GAD focal points with the tools and standards under PCW-DILG-DBM-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-01, which updates the guidelines for localizing the Magna Carta of Women and deepening gender mainstreaming across local governments.
The updated framework sharpens LGU accountability by strengthening GAD Focal Point Systems, improving gender analysis and planning, institutionalizing GAD databases, and promoting the use of gender audits to ensure that programs are evidence-based and results-oriented.
A major reform under the new guidelines is the devolution of the GAD plan and budget (GPB) review process. Barangays will submit their GPB to cities/municipalities, while component cities and municipalities will now submit their GPB to provinces. Regional Offices will continue to review the GAD Plans and Budgets of provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities, including all LGUs within NCR.
To reinforce transparency and fiscal discipline, LGUs are now required to use the online Gender and Development Plan and Budget Monitoring System, enabling more efficient tracking, reporting, and evaluation of GAD fund utilization.
With support from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality Program, the DILG also launched a nationwide Training of Trainers to build a pool of local experts who will standardize implementation and provide technical support across regions.
Participants were further trained on the use of the Harmonized GAD Guidelines Design Checklist to strengthen the planning and review of programs and projects addressing gender issues while ensuring alignment with national and local development priorities.
A total of 269 LGU practitioners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao completed the training and are now positioned to lead the rollout of the revamped GAD budget review mechanism in their respective local governments.
The DILG said the reforms reinforce its commitment to accountable, data-driven, and inclusive local governance, consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that public funds deliver measurable impact for communities.