Negocc’s 10 most gender-responsive LGUS feted
TEN LOCAL government units (LGUS) in Negros Occidental, considered as the most genderresponsive, were recognized by the Provincial Council for Women (PCW) during its midyear assembly held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Thursday.
The awardees in the City Category included the cities of Bago, Sagay, San Carlos, Escalante, and Himamaylan.
In the Municipal Category, Hinobaan led the pack with Pontevedra, Ilog, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Binalbagan.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and PCW chairperson Andrea Lizares-si led the awarding of the plaques to the recipient-lgus.
In his message, Lacson assured the council of the provincial government’s support for initiatives aimed to empower Negrense women.
To be truly progressive, modern society has to acknowledge without prejudice the vital role of women in nation-building, he added.
“The tenacity of Filipino women cannot be ignored. Filipino women are among the best workers in the world — disciplined, skilled and intelligent, making them an indispensable force in the workplace and in whatever industry they are in,” the governor added.
Lizares-si said the awardees were among the LGUS that participated in the “GERL Ka Ba?” self-assessment conducted earlier this year and have been actively participating in PCW activities in the past three years.
All participating Negros Occidental LGUS had an overall “GERL” rating of more than 3 to more than 4, or almost 5.
A three rating means they had adequate manifestation of gender-responsiveness, a four rating means an LGU manifests a systematic approach and is moving towards advance stages of being gender-responsive, and a five rating means the LGU has institutionalized a comprehensive approach in making it gender-responsive.
Marie June Pavillarcastro, PCW adviser and provincial gender and development (GAD) database consultant, coordinated the “GERL” self-assessment with focal persons and local government operation officers of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Other LGUS recognized for their contribution to the advancement of gender equality and women empowerment were the cities of Sipalay, Talisay, Cadiz, Silay, Kabankalan, Victorias, and municipalities of Manapla, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Valladolid, Cauayan, E.B. Magalona, and Calatrava.
The recognition of the LGUS was part of the 25th year anniversary of Provincial Ordinance No. 54, series of 1994, which established the PCW./PNA