"It is not enough to simply welcome differences; we must also have tangible programs, projects, activities, and services that cater to the needs of individuals just like Senior Citizens, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ members, Indigenous Peoples, women, children, and people with different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs."

In essence, this was the focus of the message of Regional GAD Committee XII Chairperson, Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III, Regional Director of the DILG XII, during the CY 2023 National Women’s Month Kick-off Celebration today, March 6, 2023.

The CY 2023 National Women’s Month Kick-Off Celebration was successfully held via Zoom platform and was attended by 58 individuals from the RGADC XII member-agencies/ institutions. This year’s celebration is a renewal of our commitment to always push forward the advocacy for Women’s Empowerment towards Social Transformation.

RD Leysa led the opening of the NWMC Celebration with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Co-Chairperson of RGADC XII, Private Sector Representative (PSR) and Retired Brigadier General Joselito E. Kakilala, CHR XII OIC Regional Director, Atty. Keysie M. Gomez, the eight Regional GAD Resource Pool (RGRP), and the DILG Execom.

One of the highlights of the Kick-off Ceremony was the awarding of certificate of accreditation to the eight (8) RGRP members who are expected to help accelerate Gender Mainstreaming by providing GAD-related technical assistance. They will serve as multipliers of GAD advocacy and Rehiyon Dose GAD Champions.

The Kick-off also stressed the CY 2022 accomplishments of the committee and the secretariat presented various events, enjoining everyone to participate in convergence activities and the like. Afterwards, the members were awarded with the certificate of appreciation for their contributions and active support. In his concluding remarks, PSR Kakilala stressed the importance of continuing to practice gender sensitivity and responsiveness in each of our jurisdictions to eliminate discrimination.