PCW, Region IV SCGAD strengthen ties in mainstreaming GAD
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) formalized partnership with Region IV-A’s Sub-Committee on Gender and Development (SCGAD) in mainstreaming GAD efforts in the region with the signing of the Partnership Agreement (PA) during the first Regional GAD Council (RGADC) Summit on August 15 at Oracle Hotel in Quezon City which coincides with the 5th anniversary of the signing into law of the Magna Carta of Women.
The signing of the agreement marks the convergence of the national government agency, regional line agencies (RLAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), city local government units (CLGU) members of the RGADC mechanism, as both have expressed their intention to collaborate, share resources and expertise to strengthen gender mainstreaming efforts in the CALABARZON area.
In her brief message, PCW Executive Emmeline L. Verzosa lauded Region IV-A’s initiative to tap the Commission and believed that the latter’s SCGAD has set the bar high in fulfilling its commitment to elevate the status of women.
“I hope all of the regions in the Philippines, particularly those who are present in this summit, will intensify its efforts in mainstreaming GAD. There’s a lot to be done but through our concerted efforts, GAD will soon be at hand.”
Under the agreement, the SCGAD shall orchestrate mainstreaming of GAD in the various development initiatives of Region IV-A and institute monitoring mechanisms on its GAD efforts. The SCGAD shall also provide the CALABARZON-RDC with regular reports; elevate GAD-related issues and concerns for RDC action, including review, development and issuance of GAD-related policies. The PCW, in return, shall support the capability development program of the SCGAD IV-A in strengthening its capabilities in providing technical assistance and trainings to the LGUs, SUCs and RLAs in Region IV-A.
Under the partnership, PCW and Region IV-A SCGAD will conduct key activities such as Search for Outstanding Regional GAD Implementers/GAD Focal Point Systems, mapping of organizations with GAD initiatives, creation of a separate curriculum on GAD for Higher Education, and Training of Trainers (TOT) on GAD for SCGAD members, among others
Signatories to the PA are Verzosa, SGAD IV-A Chair and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director Luis G. Banua, NEDA- Policy Formulation and Planning Division Chief Donald James Gawe, and PCW-Technical Services Division (TSD) Chief Ms. Nharleen S. Millar.
