A three-day Levelling Session is being held from February 17-19, 2025, at Paraiso Verde Hotel and Resort in Koronadal City to enhance the capacity of gender and development (GAD) technical assistance providers in Rehiyon Dose. The session aims to equip the eight shortlisted applicants with essential skills and knowledge for delivering effective GAD-related support in the region.

Organized by the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) XII in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Levelling Session focuses on deepening participants’ understanding of key GAD concepts, policies, and mandates. Training sessions cover Gender Analysis, GAD Planning and Budgeting, and the role of GAD technical assistance providers. The session also outlines the final assessment criteria for the return demonstration, which will determine their certification into the Regional GAD Resource Pool.

Eight applicants from various government agencies have been shortlisted to participate in the program. These agencies include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII, Civil Service Commission (CSC) XII, Department of Education - Sultan Kudarat Division, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XII, Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH - CHD) XII, and the provincial governments of Cotabato and Sarangani.

OIC- Assistant Regional Director Samuel Camaganacan, CE, representing RGADC XII Chairperson Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions with resource persons from the first batch of accredited Regional GAD Resource Pool (RGRP) XII members. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing gender and development initiatives, echoing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s message on International Women’s Day 2024: “Through our collective efforts, have faith that we will bring about a kind of change that stands the test of time, resonates across borders, and reverberates in the core of our societies.”

RGADC XII urges all stakeholders and the public to reinforce their commitment to fostering an inclusive, gender-responsive society—one that upholds equal opportunities and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to national development.