GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The Bangsamoro Government, through the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), convened the Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) of various ministries/agencies/offices (MOAs) to formulate new Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda for inclusive and gender-responsive programs on March 27-31, 2023 in this city.
According to BWC Chair Bainon Karon, the conduct of this activity, the GAD Agenda formulation, is vital in strengthening gender mainstreaming in the Bangsamoro region.
“Makakatulong ang gender mainstreaming a isulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay na kasarian sa pamamagitan ng pagtiyak na ang mga pangangailangan at pananaw ng kababaihan at kalalakihan ay isinasaalang-alang sa lahat ng mga patakaran, programa, at proyekto ng gobyerno (BARMM),” Karon said.
Further, she said, “mahalaga ang gender mainstreaming sa BARMM para sa pagtataguyod ng pagkakapantay-pantay, pagpapabuti ng paghahatid ng serbisyo, pagpapahusay sa pagpapalakas ng kababaihan, pagtugon sa karahasan na nakabatay sa kasarian, at pagtiyak ng napapanatiling pag-unlad. Ito ay isang pamumuhunan sa pagbuo ng isang mas inklusibo at patas na lipunan para sa lahat.”
Based on the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular 2018-04, the GAD Agenda is a vital process to ensure a well-prepared GAD Planning and Budgeting as well as the GAD Accomplishment Report.
“Ang isa sa pangunahing mandato ng Bangsamoro Women Commission ay mag-MONITOR nang mayos na paggamit ng five percent GAD Budget at gender mainstreaming sa bawat ahensya ng BARM. Marapat lang na aming tutukan ang pagkakaroon ng mayos na preparasyon ng GAD plan and budget at submisyon ng GAD Accomplishment Report,” Karon stressed.
The GAD Agenda Formulation and Capacity-Building activity was supported by the British Embassy Manila and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Simultaneously, the finalization of the Regional Action Plan on Peace, Women, and Security (RAPWPS) was also held in this city. The RAP-WPS is a six-year action plan (2023-2028) intended to address the various needs of women and to establish a more concrete and gender-sensitive plan for the promotion of the protection of women towards achieving sustainable peace and gender equality in the Bangsamoro region.
The BWC also culminated the celebration of National Women’s Month in the region on Friday, March 31. (Aisah Abas/BIO)
