“With ‘Lupang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas’, it calls for a Bagong Pilipinas where women are given equitable opportunities and not hindered by gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes.”
These were the words of DILG XII OIC - Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero as she rallied for gender equality and echoed the government’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign for a “renewed vision” for the country during the Regional Gender and Development Committee’s (RGADC) XII National Women’s Month held last March 8, 2024 via hybrid platform.
Director Sero highlighted that while “women’s rights gain more…recognition, respect, and appreciation from societies and institutions,” much still needs to be done to advance women’s rights and gender equality.
“DILG XII, as the Chairperson of RGADC XII, together with the member line agencies and development partners, highlights and celebrates the attributes and accomplishments of all women in SOCCSKSARGEN, coming together from all walks of life, by conducting meaningful activities for this 2024 Women’s Month Celebration,” Director Sero said.
Included in the list of activities for the month-long celebration are knowledge sharing and webinar activities, caravans for gender based violence referral mechanism awareness, health and wellness sessions, and outreach programs, among others.
Mayor Joseph George L.Lechonsito, MD,DPA of Tacurong City, also served as guest for Bida si Juana at Juan, a segment of the committee’s celebration for women’s month that features those who have made significant impact in gender and development.
Last year, RGADC XII intensified its efforts to further increase the number of GAD resource pool in the region resulting to eight certified experts from various agencies and institutions, formulated its 2024-2030 Agenda or gender and development dubbed as GADgenda, and conducted its first GAD Summit in the region.
Included in its successful feat is the continuous implementation of the GAD Seal Certification, which was replicated nationwide by DILG through Memorandum No. 2023-070 and its recognition as one of the five finalists for Government Best Practices award of the Development Academy of the Philippines in 2023. A total of 22 national government agencies and local government units were conferred the seal during the said year.
Director Sero urged everyone to reflect on the progress the region has gained in advancing gender equality and the work that needs to be done to continuously achieve equitable opportunities for all.
“Women’s month serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role that women play in shaping human civilization,” she said.
“Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas;Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!,” is the theme for this year’s National Women Month Celebration.
