Written By: Ronah Fe R. Changco | Photos By: Ronah Fe R. Changco

Davao City — Key stakeholders from Regions IX and X, together with the Ministry of Local Government of BARMM (MLG-BARMM), successfully completed a three-day National Training of Trainers (ToT) on the PCW–DILG–DBM–NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2024-01 at the Acacia Hotel, held from January 26 to 30, 2026.

The activity strengthened participants’ technical competencies on the updated Gender and Development (GAD) planning, budgeting, and reporting framework. Conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), in partnership with the Social Protection, Inclusion, and Gender Equality (SPRING) Program, the training aimed to ensure that government resources are strategically utilized to promote inclusive and gender-responsive development.

Region IX Participants

The following leaders are now equipped to cascade the standards and processes across the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu:

DILG Regional and Field Offices

  • Ronah Fe R. Changco – Regional GAD Focal Person, DILG RO IX
  • Lea Mica V. Recososa – Provincial GAD Focal Person, Zamboanga del Norte
  • Angelita E. Centillas – Provincial GAD Focal Person, Zamboanga del Sur
  • Grizelle A. Elardo – Provincial GAD Focal Person, Zamboanga Sibugay
  • Mayshell A. Doliente-Macaso – HUC Alternate GAD Focal Person, Zamboanga City
  • Mudzrica Mandangan Jubail – Provincial GAD Focal Person, Sulu

LGU Representatives

  • Hannah Lou Mandantes – Zamboanga del Norte
  • Jessa Alibutdan – Zamboanga Sibugay
  • Karla May Jimino – Zamboanga del Sur
  • Wilfredo Aporongao – Zamboanga City

Strategic Training Focus

Participants moved beyond theory to hands-on application, focusing on:

  • JMC 2024-01 Provisions – Strengthening compliance with the updated guidelines
  • HGDG Application – Utilizing the Harmonized GAD Guidelines in project design and assessment
  • Budget Attribution – Ensuring accurate tagging and utilization of GAD funds
  • Knowledge Cascading – Preparing focal persons to serve as regional resource persons

The Training of Trainers concluded with a renewed commitment to institutionalize gender-responsive governance, ensuring that development policies and programs effectively address the needs of women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities.