QUEZON CITY, May 7 — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – 10 has been awarded the Gold DILG Gender and Development (GAD) Seal for its commitment to mainstreaming gender and development in governance, institutional systems, and service delivery.

The award recognizes DILG 10’s exemplary performance in fulfilling the criteria set for the GAD Seal assessment, which covered documentary evidence for Calendar Year (CY) 2023.

To qualify for the Gold Seal, a regional office must obtain an assessment score of 95 to 100 points from the key performance areas evaluated, namely: Utilization of at least 5% of the total budget for GAD initiatives; Institutionalization of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS); Establishment and maintenance of a GAD database; Functionality of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI); Provision of breastfeeding and child-minding stations; Creation of a GAD Corner; Conduct of GAD-related trainings or technical assistance; and Implementation of innovative GAD programs and best practices

DILG 10 was cited for effectively integrating the principles of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women across its internal policies, systems, and day-to-day operations, demonstrating that gender sensitivity and inclusiveness are core values of its organizational culture.

The Gold DILG GAD Seal was formally received by Regional Director Bruce A. Colao, who emphasized the importance of inclusive governance in advancing sustainable development. “This award is a reflection of the region’s collective efforts to make gender equality a reality in public service,” RD Colao said.

At the forefront of this achievement is the DILG 10 GAD Focal Point System, which is composed of members of the Executive Committee, chaired by then Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko, and co-chaired by Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga. The GFPS Executive Committee also includes all City and Provincial Directors, Division Chiefs, and the Regional Legal Officer.

Supporting the GFPS is the Technical Working Group (TWG), led by Supervising Administrative Officer Maria Ana C. Casiño as Chairperson and Myrna B. Felicilda as Vice-Chairperson. The TWG is composed of unit heads from the regional office, all of whom contributed to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of GAD-related initiatives.

The awarding ceremony was graced by key officials from the DILG Central Office, including Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan, Undersecretary for Plans and Program Atty. Jon Paulo V. Salvahan, Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance and Comptrollership, Ester A. Aldana, Assistant Secretary Josephine F. Cabrido Leysa, Local Government Academy Executive Director Thelma T. Vecina, as well as Bureau Directors and Regional Directors from across the country.

This milestone not only affirms DILG 10’s dedication to gender equity but also sets the standard for other regional offices in institutionalizing gender-responsive governance