PCW, NEDA, DBM issue new guidelines on gender-responsive planning and budgeting

n July 20, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued the Joint Circular 2012-01 on the Guidelines for the Preparation of Annual Gender and Development (GAD) Plans and Budgets and Accomplishment Reports to Implement the Magna Carta of Women. The issuance is intended to be used by national government agencies (NGAs) and other government instrumentalities to improve their GAD plans and budgets.

“We expect all government offices to spend more money on projects and programs that respond to the needs of the Filipino men and women,” PCW Chairperson Remedios I. Rikken said adding that the backlogs in the various spheres of society can be addressed through the proper use of the gender and development (GAD) budget.

Under the Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women, government agencies are mandated to spend at least five percent (5%) of their total budget on programs, projects and activities that will close the gap on gender disparities.

The PCW-NEDA-DBM Joint Circular shall take effect on 2013 for the GAD planning and budgeting process of fiscal year 2014 and the ensuing years until repealed.

A separate issuance for local government units (LGUs) is expected to be signed by the PCW and Department of Interior and Local Government before the year ends.