About a hundred of DILG and LGU GAD focals and advocates virtually gathered on the 14th day of December for a one- day “Orientation on GeRL Assessment Tool” via zoom videoconference. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) highlighted GeRL tool as useful for the achievement of gender- responsive and seamless delivery of services in the local government units.

 PCW GAD Specialist, Ms. Elizabeth B. Omas-as, had a comprehensive lecture of the tool, followed with the sharing of the Province’s GeRL Assessment Results by Sarangani Provincial GAD Focal, Ms. Marilyn B. Ballocanag, which resulted to a fruitful discussion.

Having said the importance of the tool, DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III, expected the full support of DILG Field Officers in providing technical assistance to the LGUs in cascading it, and encourage LGUs’ to utilize the tool to better respond to the needs of men and women inhabitants by closing the gender gaps. This aims to continue the practice of participatory governance towards achieving inclusive and gender- responsive Region.