Profiling and Certification of Philippine Commission on Women-GAD Local Learning Hub (PCW-GAD LLH) Batch 4

The PCW GAD Local Learning Hub Certification Program

As a certified GAD LLH, the LGU’s primary role is to provide technical assistance to requesting LGUs and other institutions by sharing their good practices, developing information and knowledge products, conducting peer-to-peer coaching sessions, and facilitating site visits or benchmarking activities.

As of 2024, the PCW has certified a total of 16 LGUs with a total of 33 notable programs, services and facilities as GAD LLHs. These GAD LLHs are grouped according to the following categories: 1) Gender-Based Violence Response, Interventions, and Facilities; 2) Women’s Economic Empowerment Programs; 3) GAD Mechanisms; 4) Early Childhood Care Facilities and Programs; 5) Sexual, Reproductive, and Health Facilities and Programs; 6) Social Protection and Reintegration Program for Persons Deprived of Liberty; 7) GAD Database; and 8) Educational Assistance Program.

Certified GAD LLHs are expected to sustain the implementation of their notable GAD-related services, facilities, and programs, as well as participate in PCW-organized assessment and learning sessions. A key component of the GAD LLH monitoring and evaluation mechanism is the submission of reports on the results of services provided to clients and stakeholders. LGUs interested in adopting GAD innovations can learn from certified GAD LLHs and gain inspiration on how to integrate GAD perspective into local governance and public service.

Advantages of Being a PCW-GAD LLH

The GAD LLH serves as a replication mechanism for best practices on gender mainstreaming at the local level. To sustain the implementation of these best practices, PCW enters into a Partnership Agreement (PA) with the LGU. The PA with the LGU grants them access to the following:

1. Direct and priority support from PCW in the conduct of capacity building training for GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) members and the GAD LLH program implementers to strengthen their capacity in mainstreaming gender perspective in the processes and systems of the LGU.
2. Promotion of the LGU’s notable GAD efforts through the PCW website and other mechanisms.
3. Direct assistance from PCW in developing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to the GAD LLH.
4. Referral from PCW to relevant organizations and agencies and endorsement of efforts during PCW-organized conferences, training, and workshops.
5. Provision of counterpart funds and non-cash resources such as staff time, utilities, office supplies and materials, equipment, and other amenities during the conduct of GAD LLH-related activities.

Who are Eligible to Apply?

LGUs with potential notable gender-responsive programs/practices may submit their application to be certified as a GAD LLH. The LGUs will go through a three-stage process as follows:

Step 1 – Application Process

1. Interested LGUs should these accomplish these two (2) requirements to complete the application process: 
   
   a. GAD LLH Profile Form. The profile form is accessible through this link: https://bit.ly/GADLLHBatch4Profiling and attach all pertinent documents including but not limited to the following:

• Signed copy of endorsed GAD Plans and Budget (CY 2022 – 2024)
• Signed copy of GAD Accomplishment Reports (CY 2021 – 2023)
• Copy of Policy/ies on the establishment and/or strengthening of gender mainstreaming mechanisms (e.g. Executive order creating and or strengthening of the LGU GAD Focal Point System, development and implementation of LGU GAD plans and budgets, institutionalization of sex- disaggregated data based on the PCW-DILG-NEDA-DBM Joint Memorandum Circular 2013-01, among others) or other GAD-related issuances/policies,
• Copy of LGU GAD Code (and IRR if available)
• Copy of Local Development Plans that are integrated with GAD perspective
• Signed partnership agreements on GAD mainstreaming with relevant stakeholders
• Proposal and documentation of GAD related activities
• Supporting documents about the gender-responsive program/project/policy which the LGU deems viable for replication
  
  LGUs may refer to the guide provided in Annex A in accomplishing the GAD LLH Profile Form. 
  
  b. Gender-responsive LGU (GeRL) Assessment Tool Results. The excel file of the tool is available for download through this link: https://bit.ly/GeRLAssessmentToolExcel. Please rename the file to reflect the LGU’s name (e.g., GeRL Assessment Tool – Matalino City) and upload it in the designated space in the google form. Additionally, ensure that PDF copies of all relevant supporting documents are attached in their corresponding sections.
  
  You can access the GeRL Assessment Tool here and watch the PCW GAD Webinar on the GeRL Assessment Tool here for reference and guidance. 

2. The deadline for the submission of the accomplished GAD LLH Profile Form and the GeRL Assessment Tool Results alongside the required attachments is on 05 June 2025. Applications received beyond the deadline will not be included in the profiling and shortlisting process. Only applications with completely filled-out forms and attachments will be considered.

3. Profiling and certification for GAD LLH Batch 4 is open exclusively to new LGUs. Existing PCW-certified GAD LLHs who have additional programs for certification may apply it during the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) visits. 

4. The PCW-Technical Services and Regional Coordination Division (TSRCD), the unit in-charge for the implementation of the GAD LLH, will process the submitted applications and make the initial assessment based on the criteria set for qualified/shortlisted applicants.

Step 2 – Assessment Process

The PCW GAD LLH team will undertake a thorough review of the documents submitted by the LGUs to check for accuracy and completeness of information. Only LGUs with complete submission will be included in the shortlisting process.

1. Shortlisting

A scoring guide will be used to assess the organizational readiness of LGUs as potential GAD LLHs based on their submitted GAD LLH Profile Form and attachments. LGUs will be evaluated in four key areas: a) GAD-related policies (25 points), b) People (25 points), c) Enabling Mechanisms (25 points), and d) Programs/Activities/Projects (25 points). 

To qualify for shortlisting, an LGU must score at least 50 out of 100 points and obtain a “gender-sensitive” rating (2.76–3.25) or higher in the GeRL Assessment Tool. LGUs that fail to meet both criteria will not be shortlisted.

These requirements ensure that only LGUs with a demonstrated commitment to gender responsiveness advance to the validation process, reinforcing gender mainstreaming in local governance.

Shortlisted LGUs will be notified via the email address provided in the GAD LLH Profile Form and will proceed to validation by the PCW.

2. Validation of Shortlisted LGU Applicants

To verify and substantiate the information provided in the GAD LLH Profile Form and the GeRL Assessment Tool, along with the corresponding MOVs, the PCW shall conduct validation visits on dates agreed by both parties. Through the validation session, the LGU program/facilities are probed in terms of its viability for replication of other LGUs, and its impact to the lives of partner beneficiaries. The methodologies to be used in this process include the conduct of classroom-type discussion on the rationale and accomplishments of the program, focus group discussions among the program beneficiaries and program implementers, and site visits. The validation session and site visits will also serve as a venue to discuss the partnership agreement between the PCW and the LGU regarding the programs that will be certified as LLH.

The validation process is also a strategic opportunity for the shortlisted LGUs to provide additional MOVs to strengthen their GeRL Assessment Tool score and, if necessary, prepare the results of the appropriate HGDG Checklist if the Program/Facility/Project does not directly address gender issues. 

PCW may invite its partners, such as members of the GAD Resource Pool in the Region where the LGU is located to help in the validation process.

3. Final Assessment and Ratings

In order to qualify for the PCW GAD LLH Certification, the LGU should earn a combined overall score of at least 80% from 2 major criteria/parameters.

a. Results of the GERL Assessment Tool application to determine the LGU’s gender- responsiveness in terms of organization and delivery of basic services (50%) 

b.1 Review of notable LGU GAD Program/Facilities/Projects (50%) 

The LGU’s notable GAD Program/s or facilities will be reviewed based on the following rubrics:

Program/Facility Design	10 points
Program/Facility Results and Impacts	15 points
Program/Facility Sustainability	15 points
Program/Facility Replicability	10 points

The LGU’s assessment results in the second major criteria should be at least 25 points or above to be considered for the final computation.

OR

b.2 Results of the administration of the HGDG Design and PIMME Checklists, if the notable Program/Facility/Projects does not directly address gender issues

The acceptable minimum rating should be within the range considered as “Gender-sensitive”, which means the program/facility passed the GAD test based on the HGDG Tool.

Should the LGU’s final score fall below the rating of 80%, the LGU can request for a re-validation visit after one (1) year, or if the LGU has already accomplished the PCW’s recommendation to earn a rating of 80% or above.

The final results of the assessment process will be presented to PCW Management Committee for approval. Once approved, PCW will notify the LGU on the final result and next steps for the GAD LLH certification process.

Step 3 – Certification

Once the list of LGUs for GAD LLH certification has been approved by PCW, they will be informed through an official communication and will be invited to a Certification Ceremony to recognize them as GAD LLH. The ceremonial certification may  be held on National Women’s Month Celebration, Magna Carta of Women Anniversary or during the GAD LLH assembly.

As a symbol of this recognition, the PCW will present the LGU through its Local Chief Executive and Program Implementers with the PCW GAD LLH Markers that may be installed in conspicuous areas of the LGU Halls/Office.

PCW will also prepare a Partnership Agreement for review of the LGU and its Sanggunian which will be signed during the ceremonial certification.

Timeline of GAD LLH Batch 4 Certification

Date	Target Activity
10 March 2025	Opening of application for GAD LLH
05 June 2025	Deadline of submission of application
19 December 2025	Announcement of shortlisted LGUs
March – August 2026	Conduct of validation session and site visits to shortlisted LGUs
01 December 2026	Announcement of LGUs for LLH Certification
March 2027	Ceremonial recognition and certification

For inquiries or clarifications regarding the profiling of potential GAD LLH, interested applicants may coordinate with the Technical Services and Regional Coordination Division (TSRCD) at (+632) 8735-1654 loc. 138. LGUs may also reach the GAD LLH Secretariat through 0917-834-0592 or email at tsrcd@pcw.gov.ph copy furnished gadllh@pcw.gov.ph.

ANNEX A – Guide in Accomplishing the GAD LLH Profile Form

A. GAD LLH Profile Form

The profile form can be downloadable at this link – https://bit.ly/GADLLHProfileForm. Please rename the file to include the name of the LGU (e.g., GAD LLH Profile Form – Davao City). Upload the duly accomplished and signed PDF version in the designated space in the google form.

Make sure to accomplish the GAD LLH Profile Form (word file) first and prepare the necessary documents before filling out the google forms. 

B. Summary of Tables

Various tables are provided to capture details for specific sections of the GAD LLH Profile Form. The template is available for download at this link – https://bit.ly/GADLLHSummaryOfTables. Similarly, please rename the file to reflect the LGU’s name (e.g., Summary of Tables – Davao City) and upload it in the designated space in the google form. Additionally, ensure that PDF copies of all relevant supporting documents are attached in their corresponding sections.

The following are the sections with tables: 

• 3.1 Policies and Plans Formulated and Implemented. The LGU must check all policies and plans that have been formulated and implemented from 2022 to 2024 and upload PDF copies of the actual policies in the designated space. Additionally, please include policies related to the creation and/or reconstitution of the LGU’s GFPS, even if they were issued outside the 2022–2024 coverage period. The list may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Creation and/or Strengthening of the GAD Focal Point System
• Creation of Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) for Sexual Harassment Cases
• Creation of a GAD Office
• Establishment and Maintenance of GAD Database
• Gender and Development (GAD) Code
• Reproductive Health (RH) Code
• Establishment of VAW Desk in Every Barangay
• Gender-responsive Revenue/Incentive Codes
• Executive Order/Ordinances on Women Economic Empowerment.

• 3.2 LGU-mandated Plans. The LGU must identify all mandated plans that are integrated with a GAD perspective and cite the relevant provisions within each plan. Additionally, PDF copies of the actual plans must be uploaded in the designated space.

• 5.1 Mandated Local Councils/Committees/Boards. The LGU must indicate the presence of all mandated local councils, committees, and boards within its jurisdiction. PDF copies of the actual ordinances or composition of these bodies should also be attached in the corresponding space.

• 5.2 Database. The LGU must indicate the type of database maintained and provide specific indicators for the sex-disaggregated data and information. 

• 6.1 GAD-related training/workshops/seminars conducted by the LGU. The LGU must list all GAD-related training, workshops, and seminars it has conducted for its officials, staff, and clientele from 2022 to 2024 and provide the required details using the template provided. Additionally, PDF copies of the Activity Report or Documentation must be uploaded in the designated section.

• 6.2 GAD-related training/workshops/seminars conducted by other Institutions. The LGU must identify all GAD-related training, workshops, and seminars conducted by other institutions for the LGU from 2022 to 2024 and document the details using the template provided. PDF copies of the Activity Report or Documentation must also be attached in the corresponding section.

• 7.1 Existing partnerships on GAD with other LGU, organization or institutions. The LGU must list all existing partnerships related to GAD with other LGUs, organizations, or institutions and provide the relevant details using the template provided. Additionally, PDF copies of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be uploaded in the designated section.

For more information, please visit PCW GAD LLH.