The Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) XII, has conducted its First Quarter Meeting CY 2024 on February 20, 2024 at Wagi Hall 3, DILG Regional Office XII, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato. It was attended by thirty – three (33) member agencies.

RGADC XII new chairperson OIC Regional Director (RD) Rochelle Mahinay-Sero, CESE of DILG XII foremost thanked all the members for their commitment, significant contributions, and unending support for RGADC XII. One of her guidance is for the body to conduct an inventory of GAD issues and concerns and introduce policy recommendations. She added that all strategies must be incorporated in RGADC XII Annual Work and Financial Plan CY2024 and GADgenda which will be provided within this week.

The committee passed and approved three (3) Resolutions: (1) RGADC XII Resolution No. 01, Series of 2024, “Enjoining All Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and other Government Instrumentalities to Support the Celebration of the CY 2024 National Women's Month”; (2)  RGADC XII Resolution No. 02 series of 2024, “Commending the Best Practices on MOVE of DSWD XII, PLGU- South Cotabato, Local Government of General Santos City, and Local Government of Tacurong City”; and (3) RGADC XII Resolution No. 03, Series of 2024,  “Supporting the Inclusion of Population Workers and Officers for the Magna Carta of Government Service Delivery Providers”.

As agreed, all member agencies shall submit their GAD related- activities pertaining to the upcoming National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC)  to RGADC XII Secretariat not later than March 01, 2024. RD Atty. Sero further requsted the body to join the Convergence Kick-off Program at the DILG Regional Office XII on March 4, 2024 with a theme: “LIPUNANG PATAS SA BAGONG PILIPINAS: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”.

The meeting ended with some important agreements to include the following: (1) to encourage all members to apply in the GAD Seal Certification for CY 2024 and for the 2nd Batch Regional GAD Resource Pool Accreditation; (2) RGADC XII Secretariat coordination with GAD 1st Batch Seal Awardees for their renewal; and (3) Confirmation of all members regarding the invitation from partner agencies on the upcoming Women’s Month Celebration.

The proposed mobile RGADC XII Meeting for 2nd Quarter CY2024 will be on May 21, 2024 in General Santos City.