DILG fetes 16 gender-responsive governance champions

In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to eliminate gender-based discrimination and uphold women’s rights, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recognized 16 of its regional offices through the Gender and Development (GAD) Seal Certification Program.

The GAD Seal Certification is a flagship initiative that promotes institutional gender mainstreaming within the DILG, grounded on three major components: Assessment Criteria and Documentary Requirements, Scoring System, and Certification Procedure.

“Each seal conferred today tells the story of a regional office that has translated gender-responsive governance into action. These offices have implemented innovative programs, advanced inclusivity, and upheld the principles of equality and social justice,” said DILG Undersecretary Atty. Jon Paulo Salvahan.

In a memorandum, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that recognizing and incentivizing gender mainstreaming efforts contributes to a more coherent and nationwide approach to gender equality, ultimately empowering women and marginalized sectors across the country.

The program features a three-tier recognition system – Gold, Silver, and Bronze- based on performance scores. A minimum of 70 points is required to qualify for certification, while regional offices scoring below 70 are not conferred with the GAD Seal.

For this year, the DILG GAD Seal Gold awardees are the regional offices of the Cordillera Administrative Region and Regions II, VII, X, and XII. Silver awardees include the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and Regions I, IX, and XIII. Bronze awardees are the regional offices in MIMAROPA and Regions III, V, VI, VIII, and XI.

The GAD Seal is awarded annually, with each certification valid for one year from the date of issuance.