The Department of the Interior and Local Government has officially launched the National GAD Seal Certification Program last March 22, 2023, in a simple yet well-attended ceremony at the Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City and was graced by the Department’s undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and the Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), Regional GAD Committee (RGADC) XII member agencies, Local Chief Executive of General Santos City, Hon. Lorelei Pacquiao, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Ivy Dalumpines- Balitoc who represented Cotabato Governor Emily Taliño-Mendoza, the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII chair and the Regional Management team of DILG Dose.
DILG XII RD Josephine Cabrido- Leysa, CESO III, in her opening message, expressed her deep gratitude to the USECs, ASECs, RDs, Directors of the Department, the partner LRIs, and representatives from various DILG Regional Offices who showed up to lend support.
She then outlined the background on how the GAD Seal Certification came about.
The Beginning:
Back in 2019, RD Leysa recounted, “I became the RGADC Chair and that was the beginning of something challenging, but nonetheless fulfilling role…as there had been some issues in mainstreaming Gender and Development and closing the gender gaps.”
The idea of establishing a GAD Zone at the Prime Regional Center was floated during the 4th quarter Meeting of RGADC XII in 2020. It was presented by the CSO Representative and Vice Chairperson of the RGADC XII, PSR Richlie Lyndon Magtulis during the RGADC XII First Quarter Meeting for 2021 on February 22.
In response, the RGADC XII approved a Resolution No. 02 Series of 2021 entitled “Resolution Adopting the Prime Regional Government Center XII as Gender and Development Zone”. It was subsequently adopted by the RDC XII through Resolution No. 25 series of 2022 entitled: “Adopting the Prime Regional Government Center XII as Gender and Development Zone”.
"We started with a checklist...because we want to make sure that we are compliant to the GAD Parameters. In short, we want to 'walk the talk". We cannot impose on others kung tayo mismo ay non- compliant. We want to be examples to other agencies," RD Leysa explained.
The GAD Seal Parameters
“We subjected the first few agencies who wanted to be GAD Seal Certified in the following key areas, according to the interim guidelines:
a. Utilization of at least 5% of the agency’s total budget for GAD;
b. Institutional GAD Focal Point System (GFPS);
c. Establishment of GAD data base:
d. Functional Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI);
e. Breastfeeding Station and Child-minding Station;
f. GAD Corner; and
g. Agency’s GAD- related initiatives or Best practices.
The GAD Seal will have a validity period of one (1) year, after which the government entity or agency will have to undergo another round of evaluation and assessment.”
The Regional Assessment Committee
Through Regional Development Council Resolution No. 27 entitled “ADOPTING THE GAD SEAL CERTIFICATION PARAMETERS AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE REGIONAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE” the Regional Assessment Committee (RAC) was established to validate and assess the agencies who wished to be conferred with the seal. Subsequently, the RAC conducted an on-site validation at DILG Regional XII office on May 24, 2022 at Prime Government Regional Center, the first among agencies to submit itself for the said assessment.
The RAC members are composed of Ms. Melissa Gabrielle H. Vargas of NEDA XII, Ms. Ma. Josefina G. Buenbrazo of CSC XII, Prof. Susie D. Daza of Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Private Sector Representative (PSR) Richlie Lyndon Magtulis from a civil society organization (CSO).
The Regional GAD Seal Certification Awarding
On June 27, 2022, DILG Rehiyon Dose has given due recognition to the first batch of agencies which had been awarded the GAD SEAL in a ceremony. There had been nine government agencies/ institutions which received the GAD Seal Certification award on that day, after having gone through the series of evaluation. The Certificate is issued to agencies which are compliant with the GAD parameters. The seal shall bear a unique design for region 12, hence, the incorporation of T’nalak fabric which is a fabric with designs woven from dreams of T’boli artisans of South Cotabato. It also bears a QR code and the validity period of the certification.
The Guest of Honor and Speaker during the ceremony was the former Usec. Marjorie N. Jalosjos, the-then GAD Focal/ Undersecretary of Mindanao Affairs and Special Concerns. With her during the activity was Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) Director Annaliza F. Bonagua, CESO III.
Usec. Jalosjos had been persistent and enthusiastic about the GAD Seal Certification Program and she was instrumental in pushing for the replication of the program. Last June 22- 24, 2022, RD Leysa and her team from Region XII were in Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City for the GAD Seal Certification and GEDSI Orientation.
It was attended by 80 persons, with the host RD of Region IX, RD Faisal Abutazil, with some PDs of Zamboanga del Norte, their chief admin officers, SLGP Team and Dir. Bonagua’s staff from BLGD. During the gathering in Dakak, the Guidelines were presented to the attendees.
During the regional awarding program, Dir. Bonagua thanked DILG RD Leysa "for making our lives easier at the Bureau as we replicate the GAD Seal certification nationwide." The BLGD headed by Dir. Bonagua is the lead office tasked with promoting the GAD advocacy within the Department.
The Launching Day
The launching day on March 22 was made possible, according to RD Leysa, through the drive and passion of BLGD Director Bonagua who also helped push for the replication of the GAD Seal Certification nationwide. The Masters of Ceremonies for the big event were LGOO V Jon Leo Licayan of DILG Rehiyon Dose and Ms. Heide S. Pilapil from BLGD. The opening dance number was performed by the members of the Sining Kalilintad Performing Arts Group- Cronasia Foundation College based in Gen. Santos City making the guests and participants in awe of their dance routines and colorful costumes.
USEC. Serafin P. Barretto, Jr., CESO IV, DILG's Undersecretary for Public Safety, congratulated DILG Rehiyon Dose for its efforts to have the GAD Seal Certification replicated nationwide.
"This innovation is the 1st in the Philippines...and we commend DILG Rehiyon Dose for this," the undersecretary announced.
Usec. Baretto is also joined by the other USECs and ASECs of the Department who flew in from Metro Manila, namely USEC. Alfredo F. Bayan, the Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs and Special Concerns, USEC. Margarita N. Gutierrez (who sent her video message for the event), ASec. Elizabeth N. Lopez de Leon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation, ASec. Lilian M. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for International Relations, ASec. Florida M. Dijan, Assistant Secretary for Human Resource Development.
ASec. Lopez de Leon urged attendees to the launching to "have hearts to be champions for women" through the GAD Seal Certification Program.
Support Team
A number of regional directors and bureau directors also came in to lend a hand during the launching of the GAD Seal Certification. They were led by BLGD Director Bonagua, Asst Dir. Alfonso A. Maralli, Jr, BLGD, PACS Director Marlo S. Guanzon, and NBOO Asst. Director Atty. Izza Marie Laurio.
The RDs and ARDs also came in full force with RD Araceli A. San Jose of CAR, Atty. Anthony C Nuyda of DILG 3, Atty Arnaldo E Escober, Jr CESO V, of DILG 5, RD Alex Roldan of DILG XI, RD Wilhelm M Suyko of DILG 10, ARD Elpidio A. Durwin of DILG 2, OIC ARD Paulino G. Lalata of DILG 1, ARD Maria Calpiza J. Sardua of DILG 6, and DILG Dose’s ARD Lailyn A. Ortiz, CESO V.
The National GAD Seal Certification Program Logo
One of the highlights of National launching is the unveiling of the GAD Seal Certification Logo.
The Logo will "seal the deal", so to speak, for the offices who make it to the list of GAD Seal Certification Program. BLGD designers who came up with the design explained that the "surrounding hands symbolize convergence, partnership and harmony between and among stakeholders in advancing gender and development in the workplace. It also symbolizes the commitment of the management in the continuous effort in transforming the organization into a GAD - centered institution."
"The Gold Leaf symbolizes wisdom, progress and ingenuity of the Filipinos amidst the challenges that it face. Gold symbolizes success...in the continuing journey for gender equality and inclusiveness not only in the organization but also in the society," the briefer explained further.
The open hand represents "human", symbolizing inclusiveness, empowerment, and harmony. These three are crucial elements in the promotion of good governance.
The colors blue and violet reflect the continuous quest for fairness and impartiality regardless of status and preferences of the individual as a productive member of the organization and the community.
Dir. Bonagua highlighted that eventually, the GAD Seal Certification Program will be replicated in the LGUs. "But for now, we will introduce this innovation within the Department, covering the Central Office and the Field Offices natin. We want to be an example muna sa mga LGUs.” The director also gave due recognition to DILG Rehiyon Dose's effort to make the GAD Seal Certification Program a reality.
Warm Welcome to the Home of Champions
Meanwhile, General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao welcomed all participants to the "Home of the Champions" during the said launching and she thanked the DILG for making sure that "the GAD Seal has been opened to LGUs. She urged everyone to advance women's rights...and let us do it for all."
The mayor presented an AVP which highlighted her GAD initiatives in the city which focused on livelihood assistance to women's groups which had been organized in various villages in the city.
Aside from Mayor Pacquiao, Cotabato Governor Emily Taliño-Mendoza, the RDC XII chair, also pitched in her support through SP Ivy Dalumpines- Balitoc. Gov. Mendoza herself has been a staunch supporter and promoter of the GAD initiative, even while she was still a member of the House of Representatives. Through SP Balitoc, Gov. Mendoza extended her “full and unqualified support to the men and women behind the launching of the National GAD Seal Certification Program.”
All is Well that ends Well!
Asec. Florida M. Dijan, CESO III, the Department’s assistant secretary for HRD brought a happy and hopeful note to the closing part of the successful launching of the GAD Seal Certification Program as she congratulated DILG Rehiyon Dose and BLGD for finally making the GAD Seal Certification Program a reality and she "looks forward" to its success, as it will be now replicated nationwide.
"Let us be clear that not one gender is a cut above the rest," Asec. Dijan stated, highlighting the importance of gender inclusivity. She also lauded DILG Rehiyon Dose's labor and drive to start the GAD Seal Certification Program.
"Sagad sa kulay, sagad sa ganda at sagad sa saya ang gawaing ito... at isasagad natin ang pagsulong ng ating GAD Seal Certification Program," Asec Dijan concluded.
