GAD LLH: Driving Gender Equality in Luzon

The Philippine Commission on Women, through its Local Gender and Development (GAD) Resource Program, supports local government units (LGUs) in their gender mainstreaming efforts by developing the GAD Local Learning Hub (LLH)—a certification program that recognizes notable programs, services, and facilities at the local level.

Known as the Gender And Development Transformation and Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages, and Advocacies (GADTimpala) for LGUs, the GAD LLH promotes the sharing and replication of local best practices in gender mainstreaming.

As of 2025, 16 LGUs have earned GAD LLH certification, implementing 33 notable programs, services, and facilities. In Luzon alone, 21 certified GAD LLHs span seven classifications, actively building gender-responsive communities aligned with the strategic goals of gender equality and women empowerment (GEWE).

Gender-Based Violence Response, Interventions, and Facilities

These certified GAD LLHs provide critical protection, support, and rehabilitation services to gender-based violence (GBV) victim-survivors. At present, 11 GBV-related initiatives and facilities nationwide have been certified, five located in Luzon.

Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center (PCIC)

Operating 24/7 in Lingayen, the Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center (PCIC) offers urgent, temporary assistance to individuals—including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, individuals of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), and solo parents, among others—facing abuse, exploitation, trafficking, or other crises.

The services of PCIC include safe shelter, psychological counseling, referral, and financial assistance to prevent long-term economic, psychological, and social challenges for the beneficiaries and their families.

Quezon City Protection Center (QCPC)

The Quezon City Protection Center (QCPC) redefined the conventional violence against women and their children (VAWC) desk by providing a systemic immediate and after-care support to victim-survivors.

Supporting medical, psychosocial, and psychological care, as well as legal assistance and after-care services not limited to livelihood and protective shelters, the QCPC provides a needs-based approach to addressing VAWC and empowering women survivors of violence.

Muntinlupa City’s Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP)

Accessible 24/7 in Muntinlupa City, the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) Crisis Center provides prevention and response services for abused women and children, including community outreach, school-based advocacy, and capacity building.

Originally a non-governmental organization (NGO), SAGIP is now LGU-led, utilizing GAD funds and integrating client data into the City’s GAD database for improved monitoring and program development that prioritizes the needs of women and girls in policy and program development.

Lualhati Women Center of Palawan (LWCP)

Palawan Province is not only known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, but also for its commitment to gender mainstreaming. A key GAD initiative reflecting this commitment is the Lualhati Women Center, which provides comprehensive protection and rehabilitation services for women in need.

The LWCP offers a range of support services including medical care, psychological counseling, residential care, legal assistance, spiritual guidance, and values formation. It also provides educational support to empower residents as they prepare to reintegrate into their communities, helping them successfully reintegrate into the community after past struggles.

Naga City Bantay Familia

Bantay Familia in Naga City is a dedicated crisis center committed to addressing VAWC. It provides immediate rescue, temporary shelter, and appropriate referrals to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors.

Beyond immediate intervention, Bantay Familia collaborates with authorities to help survivors seek justice against perpetrators. Through advocacy, protection, and comprehensive assistance, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower survivors and help them rebuild their lives.

Women’s Economic Empowerment Programs

These programs advance women’s economic empowerment (WEE) by supporting individual livelihood initiatives and strengthening community-based enterprises. Currently, five WEE programs have been certified all over the Philippines, three of them are in Luzon.

Kalinga’s Livelihood Assistance to Qualified Women’s Organizations

In the heart of Cordillera region, the Province of Kalinga is making progress in empowering its most vulnerable communities. The Livelihood Assistance to Qualified Women’s Organizations Program in Tabuk City supports marginalized women—including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and GBV victim-survivors—by providing livelihood opportunities. Beneficiaries engage in handwoven fabric production, local wine-making, and livestock raising, promoting economic independence and enhancing household food security.

Naga City Barangay Growing Opportunities for Wealth (GrOW) Negosyo Program

The Barangay Growing Opportunities for Wealth (GrOW) Negosyo Program in Naga City is a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs. It provides essential support in marketing, technical assistance, access to loans, and provision of equipment.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Barangay GrOW Negosyo Program offers training on product development, packaging and labeling, financial literacy, and business management to help enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of community-based enterprises.

Iloilo Province Partnership and Convergence with Municipal LGUs on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Program

The Iloilo GAD LLH WEE Program stands out for its strong emphasis on sustainability. It creates diverse opportunities and linkages for its beneficiaries, ensuring long-term benefits for women. The program’s success is anchored in the continuous collaboration between the private and public sectors, which supports the establishment and growth of community enterprises. This synergy clearly demonstrates how institutional partnerships can effectively uplift the community and women, paving the way for the sustained implementation of transformative programs.

GAD Mechanisms

GAD mechanisms play a vital role in institutionalizing and sustaining gender mainstreaming efforts within organizations. These structures ensure the effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of gender-responsive policies and programs. To date, five GAD mechanisms have been certified, four of which are in Luzon.

Panlalawigang Komisyon para sa Kababaihan ng Bulacan (PKKB)

The Panlalawigang Komisyon para sa Kababaihan ng Bulacan (PKKB) plays a pivotal role in advancing the rights of women and girls in Bulacan Province. By fostering collaboration among government agencies and key stakeholders, the PKKB significantly contributes to policymaking, advocacy, monitoring, and networking that advance women’s concerns in the province. This institutional mechanism ensures that GAD goals are effectively integrated into local programs, projects, and policies.

Bulacan’s GAD Monitoring and Evaluation Team (GMET)

The GAD Monitoring and Evaluation Team (GMET) of the Provincial Government of Bulacan conducts biannual monitoring and evaluation of GAD programs across 33 offices and hospitals. They ensure effective implementation of GAD programs, projects, and activities, document challenges, and foster collaboration with various agencies. These efforts aim to strengthen gender responsiveness and institutionalize gender equality mechanisms, benefiting provincial offices, LGUs, national government agencies (NGAs), academic institutions, cooperatives, and NGOs in Bulacan.

Mabalacat City Population, Gender and Development (POPGAD) Office

The Population, Gender and Development (POPGAD) Office in Mabalacat City, Pampanga is instrumental in advancing gender mainstreaming and population development. As the city’s coordinating, regulatory, and monitoring body for gender-responsive policies and services, it ensures the integration of GAD initiatives into all aspects of local governance.

POPGAD leads the implementation of programs and services that promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, while also addressing family-related issues. These initiatives include improving women’s access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities, as well as responding to GBV and discrimination.

Quezon Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office

The Provincial Government of Quezon has taken a pioneering role in promoting gender equality and empowerment through its Quezon Provincial GAD Office, which institutionalized gender mainstreaming activities in the province.

The PGAD Office offers a range of services including gender sensitivity training, GAD database management, and workshops on VAWC. These initiatives cater both women and men and extend support organizations such as Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina and Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere, as well as NGAs, academic institutions, cooperatives, and NGOs—further strengthening the province’s commitment gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Early Childhood Care Facilities and Programs

Early childhood care facilities and programs are vital in ensuring children’s well-being by offering essential services in health, nutrition, education, protection, and social welfare. These initiatives also create an enabling environment for breastfeeding women, promoting both maternal and child health. As of now, four early childhood care facilities and programs have been certified, three are in Luzon.

Mabalacat City Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Program

The Early Childhood Development (ECCD) Program of Mabalacat City aims to improve education and health sectors by catering to the development of children aged zero to four years old. The program works closely with parents to provide early childhood education and comprehensive services, including health, nutrition, safety, and social support.

Services offered in this program include early learning, health and nutrition, parental support, community outreach, monitoring and evaluation, referral, and clearances for private child development centers—all contributing to holistic development of children in the city.

Quezon City Human Milk Bank (QCHMB)

In line with the Philippine National Committee on Human Milk Banking standards, the Quezon City Human Milk Bank (QCHMB) maintains a robust donor recruitment system through various networks. It provides pasteurized human milk at no cost to indigent patients, while charging a minimal fee—the lowest among similar milk banks.

QCHMB is being managed by a council, headed by the city mayor. The council plays a crucial role in providing safe milk to infants, aligning with national breastfeeding laws, ensuring safety through a thorough donor screening process, and conducting continuous monitoring for effectiveness and compliance with standards.

Naga City’s Breastfeeding Program

Naga City’s Breastfeeding Program makes a meaningful difference in the lives of women and their families. This multifaceted initiative promotes the importance of breastfeeding, highlighting its numerous benefits for both individuals and communities. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost infants’ immunity leading to better health outcomes and reduced child mortality rates. By supporting mothers through this program, the city fosters healthier families and a stronger, more resilient community.

Fun fact: In Naga City, you cannot apply for a business establishment permit unless your establishment has a breastfeeding room. 

Sexual, Reproductive, and Health Facilities and Programs

Sexual and reproductive health facilities and programs play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare services and encouraging proactive health-seeking behaviors among individuals. These initiatives support overall well-being by addressing reproductive health needs, preventing diseases, and assisting vulnerable populations. As of 2025, four sexual and reproductive health facilities and programs have been certified—all located in Luzon.

Samahan ng Teenage Nanay na Dakila (STAND)

STAND (Samahan ng Teenage Nanay na Dakila) is a Santiago City program that addresses teenage pregnancy and promotes maternal health through a holistic approach. It offers reproductive health services—including prenatal care, maternal education, and postnatal support—while equipping young mothers with skills training and livelihood opportunities. Through sustained advocacy campaigns, STAND raises awareness about teenage pregnancy and encourages healthier, informed choices, which foster an inclusive and nurturing environment for young mothers.

Santiago City Health Office HIV/ AIDS Action Team (SCHOHAT)

The Santiago City Health Office HIV/AIDS Action Team (SCHOHAT) was established in line with the Department of Health’s expanded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services and the decentralization of anti-retroviral therapy, making it the first satellite treatment hub in Region 2. SCHOHAT delivers comprehensive services and leads proactive campaigns on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and care—fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Quezon City Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics

The Quezon City Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics go beyond serving just women and men; they cater to individuals of diverse SOGIESC—people in prostitution, the youth, people deprived of liberty, those under policy custody, pregnant women, and people who use injectable drugs.

These clinics provide access to sexually transmitted infection management and treatment, HIV testing and treatment, case management of PLHIV, and specialized care to protect pregnant PLHIV to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Through these services, the clinics empower marginalized groups by raising awareness of health risks and improving access to healthcare services.

Muntinlupa City’s Sentrong Aruga para sa Kababaihan (SAK)

The Sentrong Aruga para sa Kababaihan (SAK) is a women’s health center established in 2016 through a partnership among Ospital ng Muntinlupa, the City GAD Office, and the City Health Office. Located within a municipal hospital, it focuses on the early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancer.

SAK offers a full spectrum of services—from preventive care and screening to diagnosis, treatment, and wellness programs—specifically designed for marginalized communities. By delivering accessible and inclusive healthcare, SAK has significantly improved health outcomes for women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sexual, Reproductive, and Health Facilities and Programs

Social protection and reintegration programs provide essential support to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) by facilitating their rehabilitation, reintegration into society, and overall well-being. These initiatives ensure access to social protection services, livelihood opportunities, and psychosocial support, empowering PDLs to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. At present, two social protection and reintegration programs have been certified, with one located in Luzon. 

Quezon City’s No Woman Left Behind

The No Woman Left Behind program is a commendable initiative of the Quezon City LGU that provides comprehensive support to female PDLs. It offers access to healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, drug prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs-responding to the unique needs and rights of female PDLs.

The program emphasizes gender equality, the protection of women’s rights, and their preparation for reintegration into the society as self-sufficient and productive members of the community. By strengthening support systems for these women, the program underscores their continued connection to the community and the importance of acceptance and inclusion from society.

Fun fact: No Woman Left Behind was inspired by a benchmarking activity conducted by the Quezon City LGU at the Ray of Hope Village of BJMP in Davao City.

Educational Assistance Program

The educational assistance program promotes gender-responsive access to educational aid for all registered students, including those in non-formal or traditional courses and those from marginalized sectors. Currently, only one certified education assistance program has been recognized, and it is located in Luzon. 

Tulong Pang-Edukasyon para sa Bulakenyo (PGB Scholarship Program)

Known as Tulong Pang-Edukasyon para sa Bulakenyo, the PGB scholarship program ensures inclusive and gender-responsive educational aid for all registered students in the Province of Bulacan. The program prioritizes the marginalized sector, including children of farmers, fishermen, persons with disabilities, solo parents, volunteer workers, and indigenous people. It provides support to various educational expenses such as textbooks, projects, transportation, and tuition fees to broaden access to learning and strengthen Bulacan’s educational mechanisms.

Fun fact: All PGB scholars are required to attend a GAD orientation session before receiving financial assistance.

How to Visit a GAD Local Learning Hub

The GAD LLHs showcase the best practices, innovative programs, and successful gender mainstreaming efforts of LGUs across the country. These hubs serve as learning sites for local communities, organizations, and individuals aiming to enhance their GAD initiatives.

To ensure a meaningful and productive visit, proper coordination with the LGU is essential.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO VISITING A GAD LOCAL LEARNING HUB

Learn and Replicate: GAD LLHs in Luzon