DILG XI GFPS-TWG Convenes to Craft GAD Seal Action Plan and FY 2026 GPB

Davao City, March 30, 2025 — The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XI (DILG XI), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System – Technical Working Group (GFPS-TWG), held a strategic planning meeting on March 30, 2025, at the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) Conference Room. The meeting was attended by all members of the GFPS-TWG, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing gender-responsive governance across DILG XI’s Regional and Provincial Offices.

The primary agenda of the meeting centered on two key objectives:

1. Formulation of the Action Plan for the GAD Seal Certification Process – In preparation for the GAD Seal Certification, the TWG collaboratively discussed strategies and activities to ensure that all regional and provincial offices under DILG XI are compliant with the certification requirements. The GAD Seal serves as a performance measure of the agency’s institutionalization of gender mainstreaming efforts. Key activities identified in the action plan include the reconstitution of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) and the conduct of related trainings, as well as the re-establishment of the breastfeeding and child-minding station to support gender-sensitive workplace policies.

2. Formulation of the DILG XI GAD Plan and Budget for FY 2026 – The TWG also initiated the crafting of the regional GAD Plan and Budget for the fiscal year 2026. The planning process involved identifying priority programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) that respond to gender issues within the region. These initiatives are geared toward enhancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in local governance.

The meeting highlighted the importance of aligning regional initiatives with national GAD priorities, ensuring that DILG XI continues to serve as a model in gender mainstreaming among government agencies.