NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH
𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋’𝐬 𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄, 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has placed renewed emphasis on gender-related programs of the Provincial Government with the reactivation of the Capitol’s Gender and Development (GAD) Office, which had long been overlooked.
This was revealed by Rainbee Grace Moro, Provincial GAD Focal Person, during her guest appearance on the Capitol’s online show “iStorya Cebu,” hosted by Provincial Information Officer Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong on March 2.
The guesting aimed to update Cebuanos on the Capitol’s initiatives promoting gender and development, a key highlight as the country observes National Women’s Month this March with the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.”
Moro said that Women’s Month is not merely a celebration but a reminder of the government’s continuing commitment to women’s empowerment, safety, protection, and resilience.
“For Gov. Pam, an empowered woman is empowering the whole Cebu — one woman, one man, one vulnerable sector at a time,” Moro said. “So makita gyud nato nga all genders will be valued and respected without discrimination.”
She clarified that GAD discussions and programs are not limited to women but also include men and other vulnerable sectors.
According to Moro, Governor Baricuatro intends to create more livelihood opportunities for women and ensure their inclusion in key decision-making processes.
She added that the Baricuatro administration’s GAD framework is anchored on the acronym I-WISE, which outlines its priority programs and projects:
I – Institutionalize GAD. This includes strengthening the GAD Council, which will implement and monitor the Capitol’s gender equality programs.
W – Women Empowerment. The administration aims to create an environment where women feel safe, protected, and supported.
I – Improving access to health and services. Expanding access to healthcare and essential services remains one of the Governor’s top priorities.
S – Strengthen protection mechanisms for survivors of Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC), including the establishment of a VAWC desk at the Capitol where victims can report cases.
E – Expand livelihood and economic opportunities. The Capitol plans to roll out skills training programs and provide various forms of support for small Cebuano businesses, regardless of gender.
“I’m glad lang gyod nga grabe ang support and leadership ni Gov. Pam. Maka-empower gyud, maka-inspire gyud for me to go forward sa mga initiatives,” she said.
Moro also noted that the previous administration did not prioritize GAD programs despite the statutory requirement under Section 36(a) of Republic Act No. 9710, or the “Magna Carta of Women,” which mandates that “[t]he cost of implementing GAD programs shall be the agency’s or the local government unit’s GAD budget which shall be at least five percent (5%) of the agency’s or the local government unit’s total budget appropriations.” | 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑹𝑱𝑹
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