GAD LLH in Action: Discovering Mindanao

Aimed at enabling local government units (LGUs) to strengthen their gender mainstreaming efforts, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), through its Local Gender and Development (GAD) Resource Program, developed the GAD Local Learning Hub (LLH)—a certification program acknowledging local best practices that are GAD-related.

Also called the Gender And Development Transformation and Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages, and Advocacies (GADTimpala) for LGUs, the GAD LLH encourages the sharing and replication of gender-responsive innovations in the local government.

As of 2025, 16 LGUs have been certified as GAD LLHs nationwide, with 33 notable programs, services, and facilities. In Mindanao alone, seven GAD LLHs under five classifications stand out, reflecting the region’s significant contributions to gender mainstreaming and advancing the strategic goals of gender equality and women empowerment (GEWE).

Gender-Based Violence Response, Interventions, and Facilities

Gender-based violence (GBV) response, interventions, and facilities play a crucial role in addressing the needs of GBV victim-survivors by providing protection, support, and rehabilitation services. At present, eleven GBV-related initiatives and facilities have been certified across the country, three of which are located in Mindanao.

Davao City’s Office of the Special Counsel on VAW (OSC-VAW)

The Office of the Special Counsel on Violence Against Women (OSC-VAW) in Davao City provides free legal assistance to victim-survivors seeking justice. It facilitates referrals to institutions for medical and psychosocial support and assists in the filing of cases.

Beyond legal aid, OSC-VAW offers counseling, capital assistance, livelihood training, and scholarships for clients’ children, equipping survivors with essential resources and support networks. To ensure compassionate and effective services, OSC-VAW staff conduct gender-sensitive interviews that promote a survivor-centered approach in addressing GBV.

Davao City’s Protection on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Discrimination (PSEAD) Program

In response to the increase in child rape cases, the city government launched the Protection on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Discrimination (PSEAD) in partnership with DepEd Region XI and the Integrated Gender and Development Division. This initiative aims to reduce rape incidents and strengthen child protection mechanisms. 

The PSEAD led to the development of Child Protection Policy Modules for public and private schools, which are now integrated into the K to 12 curricula to raise awareness about sexual abuse and violence. PSEAD also implements structured referral mechanisms, provides psychological counseling, medical support, and conducts awareness campaigns. Its beneficiaries include children, families, indigenous women, and individuals of diverse SOGIESC. 

Bagumbayan’s Balay Dalangpan 

The Municipality of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, demonstrates a strong commitment to gender-responsive local governance, through programs that address critical social issues. One key initiative is the Balay Dalangpan program, which provides comprehensive support to at-risk youth and victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).

Balay Dalangpan plays a vital role in addressing adolescent pregnancy and the increasing number of youth in conflicts with the law by providing immediate assistance and long-term interventions. It also offers counseling, legal support, and rehabilitation for VAWC survivors, contributing to the broader fight against gender-based violence.

Fun fact: Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat is the only municipality certified as a GAD LLH to date. 

Women’s Economic Empowerment Programs

These programs advance the women’s economic empowerment (WEE) programs support by supporting individual livelihood initiatives and strengthening community-based enterprises. To date, five WEE programs have been certified nationwide, with one located in Mindanao. 

Davao City’s Magnegosyo ‘Ta Day (MTD) Program 

The Davao City’s Magnegosyo ‘Ta Day is a flagship program designed to empower women and uphold their right to self-determination through social entrepreneurship. It provides financial assistance, product development support, and marketing assistance to marginalized women, enabling them to start, sustain, and expand social enterprises. 

The program advocates for fair trade business models and offers opportunities for skill development, confidence building, and personal growth. Its beneficiaries include cooperatives, women farmers (Rural Improvement Clubs), women’s groups, and clients from the veterinary office.

Fun fact: The MTD is a landmark initiative of then-Mayor Sarah Duterte. The project has since been adopted for nationwide implementation by the Office of the Vice President.

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. Currently, five GAD mechanisms have been certified with one coming from Mindanao. 

Davao City’s Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD)

The Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) leads the city’s GAD initiatives. It plays a vital role in mainstreaming gender and facilitating capacity development activities, while also efficiently monitoring the collection of GAD-related reports, including data on VAWC, Barangay Protection Orders, and family cases handled at the barangay level. 

Since 2006, the IGDD has been actively involved in conducting capacity-building activities focused on Gender Sensitivity Training, GAD Planning and Budgeting, and orientation on GAD-related laws. Their expertise is frequently sought by various offices, LGUs, and organizations for GAD-related assistance. 

Fun fact: Davao City holds the distinction of being the first LGU in the Philippines to adopt a GAD Code, while the IGDD was created through City Ordinance No. 5004, otherwise known as the Davao City Women Development Code of 1997.

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 2025, four early childhood care facilities and programs have been certified, including the one in Mindanao.

Davao City’s Child Minding Center (CMC)

Established in 1998, Davao City’s Child-Minding Center (CMC) serves the children of LGU employees, specifically those ages three months to under four years old. Managed by the Davao City Social Services and Development Office, the Center promotes a safe, inclusive, and cost-free environment for child care.

Operating from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, it provides essential child-minding services and educational programs and activities for the children. CMC prioritizes children of solo parents and economically disadvantaged families, helping working parents fulfill their responsibilities while ensuring children receive quality early childhood care.

Social Protection and Reintegration Program for Persons Deprived of Liberty

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 Mindanao.

Davao City Bureau of Jail and Penology’s Ray of Hope Village

The Ray of Hope Village in Davao City, established in 2008 under the Bureau of Jail and Penology Region XI, is a dedicated facility for female detainees, referred to as “bakasyonistas” to reduce stigma. It upholds restorative justice by providing formal and non-formal education—in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Alternative Learning System, and private organizations—enabling many inmates to complete their basic and vocational education. 

The Facility also offers skills training in income- generating activities like baking, sewing, arts, and crafts. Additionally, it provides educational assistance to the children of indigent inmates through the Indigent Children Educational Assistance program, offering scholarships and cash assistance. The primary beneficiaries are the female detainees, with their children also benefitting indirectly through scholarships and financial aid.

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 Mindanao