Representatives from the DILG National Capital Region attended the 2025 National Capital Region Gender and Development (NCR GAD) Summit, carrying the theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Advancing Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Governance for a Resilient Economy and Sustainable Development,” on November 13, 2025 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City.

The summit gathered delegates from the local governments of the National Capital Region who oversee Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, alongside representatives from civil society organizations, national government agencies, and partner institutions. As this year’s host, the City Government of Pasig led the conduct of the event, with the participation of local officials, department and office heads, and members of the GAD Focal Point Systems at both the city and barangay levels.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Jose Rey Q. Espina, Head of the Pasig City GAD Office, underscored the significance of the summit’s theme, emphasizing the collective commitment to addressing persistent gender gaps in governance and economic engagement. He highlighted the crucial role of gender-responsive policies and programs in promoting equality, strengthening governance systems, and fostering collaboration toward building an economy that is inclusive and beneficial for all sectors, particularly women, marginalized communities, and other vulnerable groups.

The event was further supported through messages delivered by Mayor Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert Vincent Jude “Dodot” B. Jaworski Jr., Congressman Roman T. Romulo, and members of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Pasig.

Key discussions were presented by Dr. Paulo Roman A. Castro Jr., MD, PhD, Former Medical Director, Pasig City General Hospital; Mr. Crisostomo Ian P. Veron Cruz, Economist IV, Pasig City Local Economic Development and Investment Office; Mr. Allendri B. Angeles, Department Head, Solid Waste Management Office; Ms. Rafaella R. Potestades, Co-Executive Director, BAYI, Inc.; Mr. John Troy P. Sunga, Officer-in-Charge, Pasig City Cooperative and Development Office; EnP. Prescilla Mejillano, MGM, City Planning Development Coordinator, Pasig City Planning and Development Office; and Ms. Michelle de Ocampo-Ballesteros, Tatak Pasigueño, Pasig City Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Their presentations provided comprehensive insights on gender-responsive healthcare, the advancement of women and gender-diverse individuals in the local economy, innovative approaches to sustainable and inclusive governance, the promotion of social equity, strengthening cooperatives, and leveraging digital tools for local economic development.

Following the presentations, DILG Pasig Field Office City Director Visitacion C. Martinez conveyed DILG-NCR’s recognition of Pasig City’s proactive leadership in advancing Gender and Development, particularly through its ongoing initiative to update the Pasig City GAD Code, which will serve as the strategic foundation for the 2026–2028 GAD Agenda. She underscored that this forward-looking effort reflects the city’s unwavering commitment to embedding gender equality in its governance systems by adopting policies and frameworks that respond to emerging issues and reinforce inclusivity across all levels of administration. 

Director Martinez likewise commended the recently conducted Formulation Writeshop on the 2027 GAD Plan and Budget for Pasig’s 30 barangays which is an undertaking that demonstrates the city’s resolve to ensure that gender mainstreaming is embraced as a shared mandate among communities. She also emphasized that the City of Pasig stands as a model of forward-thinking governance, setting standards that inspire other LGUs in the region to pursue a future grounded in equality, empowerment, and inclusive development. 

On this note, DILG-NCR extended its sincere commendation to the City Government of Pasig, for their dedication to elevating gender responsiveness as a central pillar of good governance and sustainable progress. As a steadfast partner in promoting gender equality and inclusive governance, the Department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the capacities of local government units in mainstreaming Gender and Development across policies, programs, and institutional processes. 

Through its sustained technical assistance, policy guidance, and advocacy initiatives, DILG-NCR continues to champion the integration of gender-responsive approaches in local governance, ensuring that LGUs are equipped to advance equitable, participatory, and sustainable development.