April 05, 2023 | The Department of the Interior and Local Government IX Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) recently held its 2nd Quarter GFPS Meeting at the DILG IX Conference Room. The meeting’s sole agenda is to discuss the assessment criteria for the upcoming GAD Seal Certification Assessment.

The meeting was attended by the GFPS Executive Committee, Technical Working Group, and Secretariat, who collectively bear the responsibility of ensuring the seamless integration of gender perspectives into the Department’s policies, programs, and activities. The GAD Seal Certification serves as a recognition mechanism that applauds agencies’ endeavors in making gender equality and women’s empowerment an integral part of their organizational setup.

Amidst the gathering, the participants delved into the evaluation criteria for the GAD Seal Certification, scrutinizing the essential aspects that would be subjected to assessment. The prime areas they identified for evaluation included gender-sensitive policies, programs, and activities, gender-equitable workspace, gender-sensitive financial planning, and gender-responsive monitoring and assessment mechanisms.

Assistant Regional Director Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, the presiding officer, underscored the significance of the GAD Seal Certification as a powerful tool in advancing gender equality and empowering women within their organizations. He stressed the urgency to persistently incorporate gender perspectives into their policies, programs, and activities, as well as to consistently enhance their gender-responsive efforts.