More than a hundred men and women GAD advocates from fifty four (54) provinces, cities, and municipalities in Region XII gathered during the 1st Regional GAD Budget Forum held on 28-29 November 2019 at the The Farm@Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
In partnership with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) represented by Executive Director Maria Kristina Josefina G. Balmes and two (2) GAD specialists, the LGUs’ GAD Focal Point-Technical Working Group Systems (GFPS-TWGs) composed of Social Welfare Development Officers, Planning Development Officers, and Budget Officers were very appreciative of the 2- day Forum, which had been conducted for the first- time in the Region. It was an avenue for them to articulate GAD- related clarifications, misconceptions, and difficulties, specifically, on GAD Plan and Budget (GPB) formulation and utilization of local GAD fund.
Notably, the five (5) brilliant and expert Resource Speakers/ Panelists from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) XII Regional Director Akmad J. Usman, CPA, CESO III; Commission on Audit (COA) XII State Auditors Romeo C. Nunez, CPA and Arjay t. Astillero, CPA; Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Special Investigator II Riza Isnani Concha; and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Supervising GAD Specialist Jeanette Kindipan- Dulawan were very generous in sharing their valuable LGU-
based experiences, common observations, and audit findings, as well as their extensive knowledge pertinent to achieving gender responsive LGUs as one of the ultimate goals of Republic Act 9710 or known as “Magna Carta of Women”.
As Gender Ombud, CHR XII Isnani stressed out that non- compliance of GAD mandates shall make LGUs civilly and administratively liable. DBM XII RD Usman thus recommended, as supported by the plenary, to conduct GAD Executive Session for Local Chief Executives and local legislators, another round of similar forum, and more GAD capacity development trainings for LGUs including barangays. These continuing capacity development activities would ensure GAD budget of LGUs be spent judiciously with highest level of prudence for the best welfare of their people.
During the finale, DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido- Leysa, CESO V, was impressed and visibly delighted with the huge turn-out, which is a manifestation of Region XII LGUs’ eagerness to be capacitated further on GAD. RD Leysa, as the concurrent Chairperson of the Regional GAD Committee (RGADC) XII for July 2019- August 2021, was challenged and gladly announced her unwavering support for more GAD CAPDEV activities for LGUs and Regional Line Agencies in the years to come.
