PCW and RGADC CAR Renew Partnership Agreement and Launch GAD Agenda Towards Gender-responsive and Inclusive Local Governance
Regional Gender and Development Committee – Cordillera Administrative Region (RGADC CAR) representatives with
Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) OIC Deputy Executive Director for Operations Anita E. Baleda and Technical Services and Regional Coordination (TSRCD) OIC Kim Harold T. Peji
during the signing of the renewed partnership agreement.
Looking ahead, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) envisions effective collaboration with stakeholders in building a gender-responsive Philippines—one where women and girls are recognized, valued, and empowered as agents of positive change. Taking another step toward this goal, the Regional Gender and Development Committee – Cordillera Administrative Region (RGADC CAR) renewed the Partnership Agreement with PCW and launched the RGADC CAR Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda 2025–2031. The event was held on March 28, 2025, at DPWH-CAR Multi-purpose hall, Engineer’s Hill, Baguio City, aiming to accelerate efforts in localizing the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) at both regional and local levels.
PCW OIC Deputy Executive Director for Operations Baleda delivering the partnership message, affirming RGADC and PCW’s unwavering commitment towards gender equality and women empowerment.
Embarking on this mission together was not a first. As OIC Deputy Executive Director for Operations Anita E. Baleda remarked, “Since 2018, RGADC CAR has been a steadfast partner in ensuring the effective provision of GAD technical assistance, the development and implementation of gender-responsive policies and programs, and the monitoring of gender mainstreaming efforts.” She also emphasized that PCW is proud to take part in this meaningful effort with RGADC CAR in promoting gender equality and inclusivity in local governance.
Also present in the event was PCW Technical Services and Regional Coordination (TSRCD) OIC Kim Harold T. Peji, who expressed PCW’s full support for RGADC CAR and commend its steadfast commitment to advancing gender-responsive local governance.
RGADC CAR regional directors, representatives, and other stakeholders graced the event which was also dubbed as the closing ceremony for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration in the region.
This momentous gathering was graced by regional directors, their representatives, and various stakeholders, all united by shared values and a strong commitment to gender equality. Notable attendees included RGADC CAR Chairperson and DSWD Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas, and RGADC Co-Chairperson Ferdinand Gonzales, alongside representatives from regional line agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and civil society organizations.
Launching of the RGADC CAR Gender and Development Agenda 2025–2031.
Shifting to the herstoric highlight of the event, RGADC CAR unveiled its GAD Agenda 2025–2031. This six-year strategy will serve as a roadmap for mainstreaming gender perspectives across the region. OIC Deputy Director Baleda underscored the significance of the launch, noting that the agenda provides essential guidance for the development and evaluation of GAD activities, thereby placing gender equality and inclusion at the heart of regional governance. “Congratulations to everyone involved,” she said. “May we sustain the momentum towards a truly gender-responsive and inclusive future.”
With eyes on greater heights of empowerment to all women and girls, not just in CAR but across all regions, PCW encouraged RGADC CAR to continue with its efforts in promoting gender-responsive and inclusive governance. The ceremonial signing and agenda launch underscored PCW’s full support, reaffirming a shared commitment to sustained momentum and deeper collaboration in the years to come, believing that Women and Everyone (WE) can be EquALL.