The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI (DILG-R6) underwent Gender and Development (GAD) Seal on-site validation led by members of the National Assessment Committee (NAC) from the DILG Central Office.

Institutionalized through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-070, the GAD Seal Certification Program serves as both an assessment mechanism and a recognition of the Department’s commitment to gender mainstreaming.

The on-site validation, spearheaded by DILG Assistant Secretary Francisco Cruz, is a key phase of the certification process, aimed at assessing the region’s compliance with GAD standards, documenting innovative practices, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

In his welcome message, Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero expressed gratitude to the validation team, GAD Focal Point System members, and partner agencies for their steadfast collaboration and commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region.

“This activity is a significant milestone for our Region as we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment within the Department and among our local government partners,” Ingeniero said.

Ingeniero expressed their sustained push for gender-responsive service delivery. According to Ingeniero, “Guided by Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, and PCW Memorandum Circular No. 2011-01, we continue to integrate gender perspectives into our policies, programs, and operations to ensure that our systems are inclusive, responsive, and equitable.”

Beyond assessment, the GAD Seal validation also fostered knowledge sharing, highlighting initiatives that can serve as models of gender-responsive governance nationwide.

The GAD Seal Certification promotes gender-responsive governance by evaluating how regional and field offices have integrated gender and development principles into their systems and service delivery.