KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) –— The Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) in Soccsksargen has called on its council members to implement more inclusive and efficient activities for this year’s Women’s Month Celebration.
With the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the celebration in March is expected to reinforce the core objective of Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women.
The law aims to empower, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for every individual regardless of gender.
Rochelle Mahinay-Sero, a lawyer who is the chairperson of RGADC and the regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 12, said that GAD programs, activities, and initiatives led by different government agencies have made a big difference in promoting gender equality and development in the communities.
“We have seen remarkable progress in areas such as women’s economic empowerment, gender-responsive governance, protection and support for vulnerable groups. These accomplishments are testament to the commitment and passion of each member ensuring that gender equality is not only a goal but a reality in our society,” Sero said during the first quarter RGADC meeting recently in Cotabato Province.
She said that local GAD initiatives have allowed women, particularly those from the underserved communities and marginalized sectors, to reap the benefits of gender equality, making them empowered women.
Part of the meeting was the revisiting of the “GADgenda” strategic initiatives by member agencies.
According to Sero, the GADgenda is a roadmap for strengthening gender mainstreaming in policies and programs, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and participation, addressing gender-based violence and discrimination, and promoting inclusivity and diversity in leadership and decision-making.
Sero also sought the support of the RGADC members, encouraging them to get actively involved in the activities organized by the Philippine Commission on Women.
She also urged them to make gender equality a “central pillar of our development efforts in the region.” (AMB – PIA Region 12)
