Advisory: Monitoring of the Gender Mainstreaming Performance of Agencies through GMEF from FY 2019-2023

Posted on March 8, 2024

Advisory: Monitoring of the Gender Mainstreaming Performance of Agencies through the Application of the Enhanced Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) tool and Submission of Rated Baseline Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) Assessment with Means of Verification (MOVs) from FY 2019 to FY 2023 or Updated GMEF Assessment with MOVs for FY 2023

From	ATTY. KHAY ANN C. MAGUNDAYAO-BORLADO Officer-In-Charge
For	Heads of Executive Departments, Attached Agencies, Bureaus, Offices, Government-Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Legislative and Judiciary Branches, and Constitutional Bodies
Subject	Monitoring of the Gender Mainstreaming Performance of Agencies through the Application of the Enhanced Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) tool and Submission of Rated Baseline Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) Assessment with Means of Verification (MOVs) from FY 2019 to FY 2023 or Updated GMEF Assessment with MOVs for FY 2023
Date	March 8, 2024

1.0 This advisory is a supplement to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2016-03 dated 27 May 2016 on the Use of the Enhanced Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF).

2.0 In order to track the government agencies’ performance and progress of their gender mainstreaming efforts in line with the provisions of the MCW and to have a holistic view of the national agencies’ gender mainstreaming implementation, the PCW updated and enhanced the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) tool, which was originally developed in 2001. The GMEF is a self-assessment tool that is useful for the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) members in measuring the agency’s performance in gender mainstreaming (i.e. gains and successes), as well as pinpoint areas for improvement in the way they mainstream GAD perspective in their respective organizations.^[1] The use of the tool was institutionalized through the issuance of PCW MC No. 2016-03: Use of the Enhanced GMEF which encouraged government agencies to regularly undergo GMEF assessment.

3.0 As the oversight agency in the implementation of the Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women (MCW), the PCW annually monitors the gender mainstreaming performance of agencies, especially those with major roles in the implementation of the law. The PCW, through its Sectoral Coordination Division (SCD) annually conducts desk review and validation of the GMEF assessment ratings of agencies.

4.0 As provided in PCW MC No. 2016-03, all government agencies are enjoined to use the GMEF tool in assessing the level of their respective gender mainstreaming performance. The GMEF assessment results will be utilized by the agencies as inputs in the development and formulation of their respective GAD Agenda and in preparing for their annual GAD plans and budget (GPBs). It also provides information to the PCW in identifying specific and appropriate strategic technical assistance on GAD and helps the agencies to further improve their respective gender mainstreaming performance in succeeding years. The results of the application of the GMEF tool is also one of the bases and serve as one of the requirements for selecting qualified agencies for the PCW’s incentive and awards system, the Gender and Development Transformation & Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages & Advocacies (GADtimpala). The GADtimpala is PCW’s mechanism to incentivize and recognize the gender mainstreaming efforts of all national agencies and its establishment emanated from MCW’s Implementing Rules and Regulations’ Section 43 to provide positive reinforcement to agencies in their implementation of gender mainstreaming.

5.0 As of 31 December 2022, ninety-one (91) government agencies have already administered the GMEF and their assessment ratings were validated by PCW.

6.0 In this regard and as part of the monitoring function of the PCW, all government agencies that have yet to establish their GMEF baseline assessment are enjoined to assess and submit to PCW their respective self-rating on gender mainstreaming performance for five (5) years or from FY 2019 to FY 2023 together with the means of verifications (MOVs), on or before April 30, 2024. Moreover, agencies with GMEF baseline already are reminded to update their respective gender mainstreaming performances for FY 2023 and submit to PCW for validation of ratings together with the means of verifications (MOVs), on or before April 30, 2024.

7.0 The GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) members shall lead the GMEF assessment together with the representatives from relevant offices of the agency and may utilize the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework Full Video, GAD Webinar 4 on In-depth Gender Mainstreaming and Evaluation Framework (GMEF) which is also accessible at 2022 GAD Webinar 4 Drive, and a copy of the GMEF tool which can be downloaded at Enhanced Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework: Handbook and Toolkit to serve as reference and guide in applying the GMEF tool.

8.0 To fast track the validation process, the GFPS of the agency are encouraged to submit via electronic means the documents such as the agency’s self-assessment rating using the GMEF Scoresheet, along with the MOVs arranged in separate folders and labeled per entry point as: Policy, People, Enabling Mechanisms, and Programs Projects and Activities (PPAs). In case the GFPS will opt to submit the hard copies, kindly follow the same format.

9.0 An online validation with PCW officers may be conducted after the desk review of the submitted MOVs to finalize the GMEF ratings of the agency, upon request.

10.0 For queries and technical assistance on the conduct of GMEF assessment and validation, please send requests through PCW official mailing address at records@pcw.gov.ph and copy the Sectoral Coordination Division at scd@pcw.gov.ph.

11.0 For guidance and appropriate action.

(Sgd.) ATTY. KHAY ANN C. MAGUNDAYAO-BORLADO
Officer-in-Charge

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^[1] Philippine Commission on Women, A Handbook on the Application of the Enhanced Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework(Manila: Philippine Commission on Women, 2016), 1.