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PCW recognizes RGADCs’ accomplishments on the 2nd GADtimpala for Regional GAD Mechanisms Awarding Ceremony



Executive Director Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves (far left, front row) led the ceremonial toast for the success of the 2nd GADtimpala for Regional GAD Mechanisms Awarding Ceremony together with PCW Management officials and GAWAD AlaGAD Awardees during the Third RGADC Summit.

To recognize the collective and exceptional efforts of Regional Gender and Development Committees (RGADCs) in providing GAD technical assistance towards the development and implementation of gender-responsive policies and programs and monitoring of gender mainstreaming efforts at the regional and local levels, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) conducted for the second time, the GADtimpala for Regional GAD Mechanisms Awarding Ceremony as part of the 3rd RGADC Summit held at Manila Prince Hotel, City of Manila on July 08, 2023.


Republic Act  9710, or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW), mandated the PCW to establish an incentives and awards system to recognize deserving entities, national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) and other government instrumentalities “for their outstanding achievement and/or performance in upholding the rights of women and effective implementation of gender-responsive programs,”


The selection process and the results of the awards with 8 categories have been based on the accomplished RGADC Profile Information Sheet, RGADC Awards Evaluation Form, and PCW-RGADC Annual Monitoring Reports; and have undergone a series of validation and deliberation with the PCW-Technical Services and Regional Coordination Division. The selected awardees were approved by the PCW Management Committee.


In her opening remarks for the momentous event, Deputy Executive Director for Operations Maria Kristine Josefina Balmes commended the outstanding performance of the RGADCs, which has shown great improvement from the first GADtimpala, despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic.



In her opening speech, Deputy Executive Director for Operations Maria Kristine Josefina G. Balmes expressed her congratulations to the RGADCs for doing a great job in conducting gender mainstreaming measures, despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic and other emerging concerns.

“This shows that our RGADCs continue to demonstrate resilience and dedication during those challenging circumstances. Despite the unprecedented changes in our daily lives, the RGADCs continue to make positive changes by introducing innovations, at the same time, advancing gender mainstreaming at the local level. Their hard work and unwavering commitment have truly been remarkable, and we commend each of the RGADCs for their efforts.” Balmes said.


“After gaining insights from the best practices shared by each RGADC in today’s sessions, I am confident that all of you have been inspired by the unique and innovative approaches adopted by some RGADCs in order to further intensify GAD advocacy at the regional and local levels. Tunay na kahanga-hanga at hindi matatawaran ang inyong dedikasyon upang mas lalong mapaigting ang ating adhikaing mabigyan ng proteksyon ang karapatang pantao ng mga kababaihan, mawakasan ang lahat ng uri ng diskriminasyon, at isulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay.” Balmes added, citing the conclusions and learnings from the whole-day plenary sessions of the 3rd RGADC summit.



Artistic Performances for RGADCs   




To make the night special and memorable for the RGADC officials and representatives, and other stakeholders, Filipino traditional and modern artistic performances were rendered by world-renowned and award-winning groups, namely: Halili-Cruz Ballet Company, J-Crisis, Para Dansport, and Sindaw Performing Arts through the generous support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.


The dance celebration was capped with a Unity Dance called “Sayaw Pinoy Showcase,” in which everyone was invited to dance to the lively beat.



One of the country’s premier cultural and pop singers, Ms. Bayang Barrios, serenaded the crowd with a meaningful and inspiring song.



Citation and recognition of RGADCs


The prestigious night was completed by the much-awaited conferment of awards to the RGADCs, in recognition of their outstanding efforts on gender mainstreaming in their respective regions.



GADchievement Awards (AlaGAD ng Pagpapatupad)



GAD Achievement Award (AlaGAD ng Pagpapatupad) for RDC I – Ilocos Region was received by Atty. Harold Kub-aron, RGADC Director (third from the right).


RDC CALABARZON Chairperson Agnes E. Tolentino (3rd from the left) received their GAD Achievement Award.


RDC II – Cagayan Valley OIC-Regional Director Ms. Teresita A. Tabaog received their GAD Achievement Award.


RDC III – Central Luzon representative, Ms. Mary Joy Carbungo, received their region’s GAD Achievement Award.



The AlaGAD ng Pagpapatupad Award or GAD Achievement Award is an award for RGADCs that passed significant resolutions or policies from 2019 to 2022 with the objective of influencing local and national GAD advocacies. The following Regional Development Councils (RDC) were recognized as AlaGAD ng Pagpapatupad:


  1. RDC I – Ilocos Region
  2. RDC CALABARZON
  3. RDC II – Cagayan Valley
  4. RDC III – Central Luzon


GAD Sectoral Representation Award (AlaGAD ng Pakikipag-ugnayang Sektoral)



RGADC Region V Chairperson Aurora De Guzman (third from left) received the Bicol Region’s AlaGAD ng Pakikipag-ugnayang Sektoral Award.



RGADC XI representatives received Davao Region’s AlaGAD ng Pakikipag-ugnayang Sektoral Award.


The GAD Sectoral Representation Awards were given to RGADCs with the most active participation and representation of different sectoral groups as part of the RGADCs in their respective regions. Cited RGADCs were:


  1. RGADC V – Bicol Region
  2. RGADC XI – Davao Region


GAD Technical Assistance Mechanism Award (GAD Kaagapay Award)



GAD Technical Assistance Mechanism Award (GAD Kaagapay Award)  for RDC I – Ilocos Region was received by Atty. Harold Kub-aron, RGADC I Chair (third from right).



RGADC CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region Chairperson Leo L. Quintilla (fourth from left) received the GAD Technical Assistance Mechanism Award (GAD Kaagapay Award).


RGADC CALABARZON, led by Chairperson Agnes Tolentino (third from right), received their GAD Kaagapay Plaque from PCW Officials.


RGADC X Northern Mindanao accepted their plaque of recognition as one of the GAD Kaagapay Awardees. The official representative holding the plaque is RGADC Chair Neil Aldrin G. Omega.


RGADC XII Officials pose for a posterity photo as they receive their GAD Kaagapay Awardees. Holding the plaque of recognition is RGADC Chair Josephine Cabrido-Leysa.


RGADC CARAGA Officials pose for a posterity photo as they receive their GAD Kaagapay Award. Holding the plaque of recognition is RGGADC Chair Alexander A. Makinano.


One of the mandated functions of RGADCs is establishing their own pool of GAD Resource persons who will deliver quality GAD technical assistance for the capacity development of requesting agencies or Local Government Units (LGUs) within their respective regions. The following RGADCs have successfully and effectively established their regional GAD resource pool:


  1. RGADC I – Ilocos Region
  2. RGADC CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region
  3. RGADC CALABARZON
  4. RGADC X – Northern Mindanao
  5. RGADC XII – Soccsksargen 
  6. RGADC Caraga


GAD Recognition Award (AlaGAD ng Pagkilala Award)



RGADC II – Cagayan Valley representatives, led by Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Teresita Tabaog, together with PCW Officials, posed for posterity during the awarding of the AlaGAD ng Pagkilala Award.


RGADC CALABARZON representatives, together with PCW Officials, posed for posterity during the awarding of the AlaGAD ng Pagkilala Award


RGADC Caraga representatives, together with PCW Officials, posed for posterity during the awarding of the AlaGAD ng Pagkilala Award


RGADC XII SOCCSKSARGEN Region representatives, together with PCW Officials, posed for posterity during the awarding of the AlaGAD ng Pagkilala Award


This award was given to RGADCs, who outstandingly recognized individuals and organizations that championed women’s empowerment and gender equality and proved to cultivate a culture of appreciation of excellence and actively prioritized gender inclusivity and effective implementation of gender-responsive programs and activities in the region. The following RGADCs were recognized:


  1. RGADC II – Cagayan Valley –  Outstanding GAD Champions of Cagayan Valley Award (O-GAD) in 2021
  2. RGADC CALABARZON – CALABARZON Search for Outstanding GAD Implementers in 2015
  3. RGADC – Caraga – Search for Caraga’s Most Gender Responsive Local Government Units (LGUs), Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), and Government Employees/Individuals or Groups in 2021
  4. RGADC XII – SOCCSKSARGEN Region – GAD Seal Certification in 2022


Most Innovative Regional GAD Mechanism Award (AlaGAD ng Pagbabago)



Agents of change: RGADC Awardees for Most Innovative Regional GAD Mechanism Award (AlaGAD ng Pagbabago) pose with their fulfilling smiles as they received the citation during the Gabi ng Parangal


This category recognized RGADCs with the most unique and innovative GAD activities or programs in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region:


  1. RGADC I – Ilocos Region
  2. RGADC MIMAROPA Region
  3. RGADC VI – Western Visayas Region 
  4. RGADC X – Northern Mindanao Region


Gender Inclusive Development Plan Award (AlaGAD ng Pagpaplano)


This award recognizes Regional Development Plans (RDP) containing specific chapters with gender perspectives and strategies, taking into account gender considerations, ensuring inclusivity and equality, and 50% of the RDP must contain specific strategies for gender mainstreaming and actions addressing issues of women. The following RDCs with inclusive RDPs were cited:


  1. RDC CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region
  2. RDC CALABARZON
  3. RDC XI – Zamboanga Peninsula Region
  4. RDC II – Cagayan Valley Region
  5. RDC – Bicol Region
  6. RDC VI – Western Visayas Region
  7. RDC I – Ilocos Region


Outstanding RGADC Secretariat Award 


This award was given by PCW to RGADC Secretariats who provided effective and efficient technical and administrative support to their respective RGADCs, reflecting the dynamic commitment of regional stakeholders and development planners in ensuring the identification of gender-sensitive and gender-responsive strategies and interventions to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development in the Region. The following were cited as Outstanding RGADC Secretariats: 


  1. RGADC I  – Ilocos Region (CHR and NEDA I )
  2. RGADC XII – Soccksargen Region (DILG XII)
  3. RGADC VII – Central Visayas (NEDA VII)
  4. RGADC XI – Davao Region (CHR XI)
  5. RGADC Caraga (CHR Caraga)
  6. RGADC II – Cagayan Valley (NEDA and the DOST II)
  7. RGADC CALABARZON (NEDA CALABARZON )
  8. RGADC III – Central Luzon  (NEDA III)
  9. RGADC MIMAROPA (NEDA MIMAROPA)
  10. RGADC CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region (NEDA CAR)
  11. RGADC IX – Zamboanga Peninsula (NEDA IX)


Outstanding GAD Champion (Gawad AlaGAD)


The PCW gave utmost recognition to individuals who extraordinarily contributed to attaining the RGADCs goals and have shown exemplary leadership in pursuing GAD advocacy and gender mainstreaming in the region.


 Dr. Ferdinand Gonzales – Head of the Technical Working Group of  RGADC Cordillera Administrative Region, proudly raised his plaque of recognition as one of the Outstanding GAD Champions (Gawad AlaGAD) for the 2nd GADtimpala for Regional GAD Mechanisms


DTI VIII Director Celerina Bato – RGADC Chairperson for Region VIII – Eastern Visayas, together with PCW Management Committee officials, poses for posterity during the 2nd GADtimpala for Regional GAD Mechanisms. Dir. Bato is one of the awardees for Outstanding GAD Champions (Gawad AlaGAD).


DILG XII Director Josephine Cabrido – Leysa – RGADC Chairperson for Region XII, proudly posed with PCW officials after she received her plaque of recognition as one of the GAWAD AlaGAD Awardees.


NEDA MIMAROPA Director Augustin Mendoza –  RGADC Secretariat Head for MIMAROPA Region proudly received his award as one of the GAWAD AlaGAD Awardees.


NEDA Director Agnes Tolentino – former RGADC Chairperson for Region V Bicol Region, proudly received her plaque of recognition as one of the GAWAD AlaGAD Awardees


DOST I OIC-Regional Director Teresita Tabaog – posed with PCW Officials with her plaque of recognition as a GAWAD AlaGAD Awardee



CHR I Director Atty. Harold Kub-aron – RGADC Chairperson for Ilocos Region, was recognized as one of the GAWAD AlaGAD Awardees.


RGADC VII representative received the plaque for Regional Director Efren Carreon –  Former RGADC Chairperson for Central Visayas, who was cited as one of the GAD AlaGAD Awardees.



Representatives from RGADC CALABARZON posed with the PCW officials as they received the Gawad AlaGAD plaque of recognition for Dir. Banua.


The following are the GAWAD AlaGAD Awardees:


  1. Dr. Ferdinand Gonzales – Head of the Technical Working Group of the RGADC Cordillera Administrative Region
  2. DTI VIII Regional Director Celerina Bato – RGADC Chairperson for Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
  3. DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido – RGADC Chairperson for Region XII Soccksargen
  4. NEDA MIMAROPA Regional Director Augustin Mendoza – Former RGADC Secretariat Head for MIMAROPA Region
  5. NEDA V Regional Director Agnes Tolentino – RGADC Chairperson for Region V Bicol Region
  6. DOST OIC-Regional Director Teresita Tabaog – RGADC Chairperson for Region II Cagayan Valley
  7. CHR Regional Director Atty. Harold Kub-aron – RGADC Chairperson for Ilocos Region
  8. NEDA VII Regional Director Efren Carreon –  Former RGADC Chairperson for Central Visayas
  9. NEDA CALABARZON Regional Director Luis Banua – RGADC Chairperson for CALABARZON


Conclusion and hopes for RGADCs


In recognition of RGADCs’ accomplishment, PCW OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Management Services  Honey M. Castro highlighted in her speech the huge responsibilities of every awardee in ensuring that their effort will trickle down to its target beneficiaries in light of getting these honors.



Opportunities and responsibilities: PCW OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Management Services, Honey Castro, delivered a meaningful speech as the RGADC awardees savor their success during the awarding ceremonies of the 2nd GADtimpala for Regional GAD Mechanisms.


“We are all united in the idea that receiving recognition is not really the end part but a stepping stone to greater opportunities. Your accomplishments have been a solid foundation, but they also come with a responsibility to continue pushing boundaries, effecting positive change, and advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.” OIC-Deputy Director Castro said.


“Embrace this moment of recognition as a call to action. This is a call to redouble your efforts and strive for an even greater impact. May this recognition opens up and create opportunities for collaboration and partnership towards working together for more gender-responsive local governance,” Castro concluded.


The GADtimpala or the Gender and Development (GAD) Transformation & Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages & Advocacies is considered the official incentive and award system of the PCW per PCW Board Resolution No. 001 s. 2018. The GADtimpala for Regional GAD Mechanism is considered a sub-component of the PCW’s GADtimpala at the national level and is also considered as PCW’s official awards and recognition system for regional GAD mechanisms.