GENDER & DEVELOPMENT
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DILG Caraga's commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive governance
by informing, guiding, and empowering stakeholders through accessible resources and policies.
News & Updates
One Caraga, Strong in Voice
One Caraga, Strong in Voice
In Caraga’s heart, where rivers wind,
The voice of all, we seek to find.
From mountains high to coastal shore,
We open doors, and build much more.
Not bound by roles from ages past,
We shape a future built to last.
Where every woman, every man,
Walks hand in hand, as best they can.
DILG, with torch held high,
Lights up the path where dreams can fly.
We train, empower, break the mold,
With policies both brave and bold.
No longer hushed, the silenced speak,
The strong uplift the once called weak.
For rights are not for just a few,
In Caraga, all dreams are due.
We teach the young, inspire the old,
To stand as equals, proud and bold.
With GAD as guide, we craft the way,
Where fairness grows each passing day.
From Agusan’s green and Surigao’s tide,
To Dinagat’s gems that never hide—
We weave respect in every plan,
And build a world that lifts all clans.
Let budgets speak of gender fair,
Let councils show inclusive care.
In every LGU we lead,
We sow the equity we need.
No space for hate, no room for fear,
In DILG, all voices hear.
Caraga stands, a beacon bright,
For gender justice, truth, and right.
So raise the flag, let justice ring,
Let every town and barangay sing.
With GAD in heart, we shall rejoice—
One Caraga, strong in voice.
DILG Caraga Celebrates a GAD-Inspired Family Day
DILG Caraga Celebrates a GAD-Inspired Family Day
Butuan City – In celebration of National Family Week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Office held a special activity titled “Pamilya Ko, Kaagapay Ko: A GAD-Inspired Family Day Celebration.”
The event was conducted in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 60, series of 1992, which declares the last week of September each year as National Family Week to strengthen and promote the importance of families as the foundation of the nation.
DILG Caraga Regional Director Maria Loisella E. Lucino emphasized the department’s commitment to fostering a family-oriented work culture.
“We care for each other as we treat each other as family,” RD Lucino shared in her message, highlighting the spirit of unity and support that guides the organization.
She also announced that more activities are scheduled throughout the week in celebration of both Family Week and Civil Service Month, further reinforcing the department’s dedication to employee well-being and service excellence.
The GAD-Inspired Family Day served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of family values not only in the home but also within the workplace.
DILG Caraga Provides Technical Assistance to LGUs in Formulating 3-Year GAD Agenda
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Technical Working Group (TWG), provided technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) in the formulation of their 3-Year Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda.
Leading the initiatives were DILG Caraga GFPS TWG members LGOO VI Michelle V. Calo and LGOO V Mary Jean L. Panchito, who facilitated capacity-building workshops and offered guidance to LGUs. The technical assistance activities were conducted on-site for the Municipality of Santiago, Agusan del Norte on August 12 to 13, 2025 while for the Municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on October 6 to 7, 2025 was held in Butuan City.
These efforts aim to support LGUs in developing their GAD Agenda, which will serve as the basis for their annual GAD Plan and Budget (GPB).
While national guidelines for LGU-level GAD Agenda formulation are still pending, the DILG Caraga team utilized the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Guidelines for the Formulation of GAD Agenda for National Government Agencies (NGAs). These were aligned with the local Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) formulation process, using a gender lens to ensure relevance and responsiveness.
During the workshops, the facilitators emphasized the importance of having an updated GAD Database. In its absence, a sex-disaggregated Ecological Profile may be used to help identify key gender issues. It was also highlighted that prior training on Gender Sensitivity, basic GAD concepts, and the application of Gender Analysis Tools are essential prerequisites to effectively prepare a GAD Agenda.
These initiatives reflect DILG Caraga’s continuing commitment to advancing gender mainstreaming and fostering inclusive and equitable local governance across the region.
DILG Caraga Launches On-Site Health Consultation for Employees Through PHILHEALTH KONSULTA Program
DILG Caraga Launches On-Site Health Consultation for Employees Through PHILHEALTH KONSULTA Program
Demonstrating its commitment to employee health and wellness, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Office officially kicked off the PHILHEALTH KONSULTA program for its personnel on March 3, 2025, in partnership with PHILHEALTH and Manuel Santos Hospital.
The initiative marked the first patient consultation held at the regional office for employees who registered under the KONSULTA (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program. The activity aimed to provide accessible and free general medical consultations, allowing employees to address health concerns and receive medical advice from licensed healthcare professionals without having to leave the workplace.
During the event, Regional Director Maria Loisella “Wella” E. Lucino expressed her heartfelt gratitude to PHILHEALTH and Manuel Santos Hospital for their continued partnership and commitment to advancing employee well-being.
“We sincerely thank PHILHEALTH and Manuel Santos Hospital for making this service available to our personnel. Their presence here reflects a shared commitment to promoting the health and welfare of our workforce,” RD Wella said.
Employees who participated in the consultation received professional medical attention, helping them stay on top of their health while balancing their responsibilities in public service. The program not only supports physical well-being but also aligns with DILG Caraga’s broader goal of creating a health-conscious and supportive work environment.
The collaboration with PHILHEALTH and Manuel Santos Hospital highlights the importance of accessible healthcare in government offices, and DILG Caraga continues to explore programs that uplift and empower its personnel through integrated wellness initiatives.
DILG Caraga Kicks Off National Women’s Month with Inspiring Celebration
DILG Caraga Kicks Off National Women’s Month with Inspiring Celebration
Butuan City, March 3, 2025 – In celebration of National Women's Month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Office held a meaningful event to honor and recognize the vital role of women in the organization.
The celebration began with DILG Caraga’s participation in a region-wide motorcade, followed by a short but powerful program dedicated to the women of the agency. Regional Director Maria Loisella Lucino delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging women's contributions to governance, community service, and public leadership.
As a token of appreciation, the office presented purple chocolate bars to all female personnel, symbolizing gratitude and support for their unwavering dedication.
The program, hosted by Sir Christian Pugahan, also included a trivia segment on the history of feminism, shedding light on its origins and the global significance of women’s rights movements. Assistant Regional Director Donald Seronay closed the event with a heartfelt message, underscoring the need to continue empowering women in all sectors.
The event served as a meaningful tribute to the strength, dedication, and achievements of the women who help drive the success of DILG Caraga.
DILG Caraga GAD Focal Point System Selects Solo Parents and Persons with Disabilities as the Beneficiaries for the "Gandang May Igaganda Pa" Program During the 2024 Women's Forum.
DILG Caraga GAD Focal Point System Selects Solo Parents and Persons with Disabilities as the Beneficiaries for the "Gandang May Igaganda Pa" Program During the 2024 Women's Forum.
In line with the celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration in March 2024, one of the highlights is the annual conduct of Women’s Forum cum “Gandang May Igaganda Pa” where the office selects specific marginalized sectors of women as beneficiaries for both training and spa services.
This annual activity started way back in 2018 where the office has already catered to various sectors like women market vendors, women purok leaders, women entrepreneurs, women’s organizations, wives of former rebels and women recovering drug dependents (RDDs).
This year, in partnership with the DILG Caraga Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (CEMPC), DILG Caraga thru the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) catered to selected unemployed women who are Solo Parents and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from the Province of Agusan del Norte and DILG Caraga Region and Field Offices.
A total of 30 individuals benefited from the said program, receiving beauty and health kits from CEMPC as well as availed of free spa services and vaccines from TESDA and DOH respectively.
The participants also attended a seminar on the rights and benefits of Solo Parents and PWDs from the invited resource persons from DSWD, DOH and PSWDO-ADN.
Centered on the Philippine Commission on Women’s (PCW) newly launched 5-year recurring theme: “WE for gender equality and inclusive society”, DILG Caraga jumpstarted the month-long celebration for Women’s Month with a Kick Off Program on March 1, 2023 jointly participated by personnel from Regional Office, DILG - Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, and DILG – Butuan City Office at the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC), DILG Regional Office Building.
Simultaneously, the office launched the NWMC Activities and Contests to celebrate Women’s Month. LGCDD Chief Annabel F. Yangson presented the lined-up activities befitting the celebration along with the contests’ mechanics and guidelines, to wit:
1) Her Story: Woman of Inspiration Award – nominations and awarding of colleagues with inspiring stories to share as a woman;
2) Jingle-Making Contest – compositions of creative and original jingles that correlates to the NWMC 2023 theme;
3) Health and Wellness Program – promotion of Health and Wellness among the DILG employees comprising of mixed activities such as Wellness Talks, Sports Activities, and Weight Loss Program; and
4) Social media posting using hashtags #WEcanbeEquaALL and #DILGXIIINWMC2023 – an electronic raffle contest open to every entry made in efforts to popularize support for women empowerment by using the hashtags.
The winners will be awarded during the 2023 NWMC Culmination Program on March 31, 2023.
The Program also ushered in the opening of the accustomed yearly DILG Bazaar – a showcase of products and artworks of entrepreneur employees.Also launched was the Sports Festival - where an inter-division tournaments for events like table tennis (singles & doubles), darts, chess, badminton, and scrabble will be held throughout the month.
“The annual observance of Women’s Month supports the main goal of Gender and Development (GAD) to level the playing field for both men and women with the support of everyone. We hope to expand awareness on gender equality and social inclusion by way of empowering women as a strategy in closing the gender gaps.” LGMED Chief Ray Gregory Jaranilla underscored in his message.
DILG Caraga Kicks Off the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) 2023
DILG Caraga Kicks Off the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) 2023
Aside from the exclusive contests that would run for the whole month course, DILG Caraga as well calendared various activities which includes advocacy and capacity development activities not only for its internal workforce but also for the external clients with the continuation of the four-year running program on “Gandang May Igaganda Pa – Serbisyo Para Kay Juana”, targeting beneficiaries from Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) for the year.
By LGOO II Crizza Mae Joyce A. Hurtado
DILG Caraga Inaugurates GAD Spaces within its Regional Office
DILG Caraga Inaugurates GAD Spaces within its Regional Office
Content : Under the helm of Asst. Regional Director, Officer-In-Charge Donald A. Seronay, the Department of the Interior and Local Government - Caraga Regional Office celebrated the blessing and inauguration of the Gender and Development (GAD) Spaces located at the 2nd floor of the DILG XIII Building, Doongan, Butuan City, on June 23, 2023.
The inauguration was graced by the Regional Director of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and RGADC Chairperson Alexander A. Makinano and guests from DOH, DSWD and PIA, whom took part in the ceremonial-ribbon cutting ceremony.The significant milestone of GAD was celebrated further through a short program participated by the children of DILG employees.
In his message, ARD Seronay stressed the need to implement GAD spaces and the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) in the work places. “As we continuously campaign and advocate for gender equality and women empowerment, DILG and other government agencies should be leading the efforts to conform with the laws,” ARD Seronay added. Further, he commended the personnel of DILG Caraga through the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) for their stern efforts and commitment in making the agency part of the eight (8) gender-responsive agencies recognized by RGADC Caraga.
RGADC Chairperson RD Makinano expressed his support on the activity and highlighted that the integration of the GAD Spaces within the Institutional Office supports the cause of the POPCOM on upholding family importance, by allowing a thriving balance between work and parental duties.
The turned-over GAD Spaces of DILG Caraga have a Lactation Room, Children's Nook and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Corner, hence, considered complete and all-in-one GAD Spaces.The facility is equipped with a television, books and other reading materials, child diaper changing, refrigerator, and children’s toys. Additionally, the spaces were child-proofed to ensure the maintenance of a safe environment for learning and playing even with the absence of adult supervision. The establishment of which is a response to the long-sought longing for spaces to express the gender-related needs of the employees.
With a renewed hope for a better life back in the mainstream society, 18 women former rebels and wives of former rebels in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte engaged in Women’s Forum on March 10, 2022, at the LGRRC DILG 13 Regional Office, Butuan City.
In line with the Women’s Month Celebration, the DILG Caraga through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), in partnership with the 29th Infantry Battalion and Agusan del Norte Provincial Government, initiated an entrepreneurial skills training entitled “Jumpstarting Business in the New Normal.”
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga representatives were invited to mentor and share the step-by-step process of starting a small business and present information about some opportunities that the participants can avail themselves of from the said offices.
Aside from the know-how on business, the participants also received free pampering sessions such as haircuts, manicures, and pedicures as a way of celebrating their womanhood and appreciating them for braving whatever it was that cost them in finally coming back to the folds of the law.
DILG Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay expressed his gratitude towards the participants for their bravery. “Along with this celebration is our direction to reset and bounce back.
Mobangon kita and we will guide you as you transition back into civilian life by helping you realize whatever business you have in mind.
I am happy to see you slowly reintegrate back into your communities and start a new, normal life together with your families,” ARD Seronay said.
As a Women’s month gift, the GFPS also handed out beauty and hygiene kits to the participants.
DILG Caraga Empowers Women Former Rebels Thru An Entrepreneurial Dev’t Skills Training
DILG Caraga Empowers Women Former Rebels Thru An Entrepreneurial Dev’t Skills Training
Liza (not her real name) was among the participants who shared her appreciation to the agency for providing them this opportunity. “Ako nagpasalamat nga naay ingon ani na programa nga mag guide sa amo na mag sugod ug business, kani magamit gyud namo sa pang adlaw-adlaw na panginabuhian.
Gawas niini, gipagwapa pa gyud ming mga kababaehan. Salamat sa nag conduct niini ug sa mga nagsponsor ug sa mga nag train sa amoa. Salamat kaayo sa DILG, salamat na gihatagan mig ing-ani na training.”
(I am grateful to those who led this training since it has expanded my understanding of how to start a business, and I am confident that this will help us in our everyday lives. I appreciate those who organized and sponsored it, as well as those who trained us. Thank you so much, DILG, for making this training possible).
The GFPS is set to conduct various activities for the month-long celebration. This includes a webinar on GAD Planning and Budgeting on March 17, and DILG’s GAD Talent, a variety show showcasing the talents of the men and women of DILG Caraga on March 31.
### (By PEAO II Psychee Amor M. Dalan)
Best Practices
About Gender & Development
What is GAD?
What is GAD?
Gender and Development (GAD) is a government strategy that promotes gender equality by recognizing and addressing the different needs and roles of all genders, especially women, in development. It ensures that policies, programs, and services are gender-responsive, helping eliminate discrimination and empower everyone equally. It is mandated by law to support inclusive, equitable, and sustainable governance.
Why do we have GAD?
Why do we have GAD?
To ensure that development is inclusive and equitable for all, especially for sectors that have historically been marginalized, like women and gender-diverse individuals. It exists to correct social, economic, and political inequalities caused by gender-based discrimination. By integrating gender perspectives into policies, programs, and services, GAD helps government institutions like the DILG create more effective, fair, and responsive governance that uplifts every member of society.
Pertinent Laws
Pertinent Laws
Republic Act No. 9710 – Magna Carta of Women (2009)
A comprehensive women’s human rights law that mandates gender mainstreaming in all government agencies and local government units (LGUs). It also requires them to allocate at least 5% of their total budget for GAD programs.
Republic Act No. 9262 – Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (2004)
Protects women and children from abuse and mandates support systems and services to address gender-based violence.
Executive Order No. 273 (1995)
Approves and adopts the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) 1995–2025, requiring all government agencies to institutionalize gender mainstreaming.
Republic Act No. 7877 – Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (1995)
Penalizes sexual harassment in the workplace, educational, and training institutions.
Republic Act No. 7192 – Women in Development and Nation Building Act (1991)
Promotes the integration of women as full and equal partners in development and removes gender-based restrictions in education, employment, and business.
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