To adopt gender equality and promote women’s rights through GAD lens activities, the Land Management Bureau – Gender and Development (LMB-GAD) conducted a two (2) day workshop on Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) and Enhanced Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) last June 10-11, 2019 in Quezon City.

This workshop is in response to Republic Act No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women of 2009) and the Philippine Commission on Women’s Memorandum Circular No. 2016-03 and was attended by LMB Assistant Director Engr. Romeo P. Verzosa, DENR – National GAD Focal Point System representatives, LMB Officials, selected LMB GAD Focal Point System and employees, representatives from Region 1, 3, and 4A.

Assistant Director Engr. Verzosa gave his welcome remarks and shared some pointers and importance of Gender Mainstreaming activities. “LMB will continue to promote gender equality and women empowerment in all undertakings.” he said.

Additionally, GAD Chairperson, Ms. Maria Gina F. Pascua emphasized the importance of HGDG and GMEF in improving and strengthening GAD activities.

The highlight of the workshop was the discussion and application of HGDG which was facilitated by Ms. Socorro Feliciano. HGDG is necessary to ensure that the programs and projects of the Bureau are all gender-responsive.

Another key topic which was covered by Ms. Feliciano during the workshop was the importance of GMEF in measuring the extent gender mainstreaming efforts of organizations – both in National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs). She also divided the participant into groups for a more focused group discussion and analysis.

Lastly, Ms. Emelita D. Mendoza, discussed the next steps for the HGDG and GMEF results a she wrapped up the activity with deepest gratitude.

By Yves S. Balerio