The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its commitment to gender-responsive governance through a two-day capacity development activity titled “G.E.A.R. uP for GAD: Capacity Development on Gender Equality, Analysis, and Responsive Planning,” held in Quezon City for members of the DILG Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS).

This initiative forms part of the Department’s intensified efforts to mainstream gender equality and women’s empowerment in local governance and public administration, in line with the directive of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

Undersecretary Jon Paulo Salvahan, GFPS Executive Committee Chairperson, commended participants for their active engagement and unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. “I urge everyone to proudly carry forward the tools, knowledge, and resolve you have gained toward a more gender-responsive and genuinely inclusive DILG,” Salvahan said. “I am confident that our Department will emerge as one of the national government’s leading champions for gender and development.”

Assistant Secretary Ester A. Aldana, Alternate Chairperson of the DILG GFPS Executive Committee, emphasized the crucial role of the GFPS in embedding gender perspectives into policies, programs, and decision-making processes. “An effective GFPS relies on the right capacities and competencies—this includes a solid grasp of gender concepts, gender analysis, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation,” she noted. “Together, we can ensure that gender equality remains at the core of governance.”

The training aimed to reskill and reorient GFPS members on fundamental GAD principles and tools, including gender analysis, responsive planning and budgeting, and mainstreaming strategies. It also featured presentations of best practices by recognized GAD Champions to encourage localized and results-oriented implementation across DILG units.

Through initiatives like this, the DILG continues to empower its workforce as advocates for inclusive development, advancing a more equitable and gender-responsive bureaucracy.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/GAD-Para-sa-Bayan-DILG-Strengthens-Focal-Points-for-Gender-Responsive-Governance/NC-2025-1144