GAD focals should internalize their advocacy, PCW says

By: Carlson B. Alelis

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) urged Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons of national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and the academe, among others, to internalize their advocacies.

Chief GAD specialist Nharleen Santos-Millar from PCW’s Technical Services and Regional Coordination Division said focal persons in offices should advocate GAD even after their tenures.

“GAD is an advocacy – it should not be treated as an add-on work,” she said.

She added that the advocacy is applicable regardless of where a focal person is assigned or transferred to, because gender and development is present in any office.

There should ownership and a change in the mindset to advocate for GAD outside of the designation as a focal person, Millar said.

PCW was present during the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC)-VI meeting held recently at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office VI in Iloilo City.

PCW Senior GAD specialist Jocelyn Bellin gave a presentation on the agency’s partnership agreement and work plan with RGADC VI.

The partnership aims to mainstream GAD initiatives in the programs of NGA, LGUs, and state colleges and universities. (PIA)