In line with its commitment to gender mainstreaming in governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) conducted an orientation session on the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) for both its regional and field personnel.

Held at the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) on August 1, 2025, the activity aimed to deepen the understanding of DILG-NCR personnel on the integration of gender perspectives in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs, activities, and projects (PAPs).

In opening, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV emphasized the need to strengthen the capabilities of DILG-NCR personnel for meaningful gender and development mainstreaming.

“To achieve meaningful gender and development mainstreaming, we must continue to strengthen the capabilities of our personnel. Empowering our workforce with the right knowledge and tools is key to building inclusive, gender-responsive governance across the region.”

The HGDG is a key tool developed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and other government agencies, to ensure that gender concerns are effectively addressed in development efforts. The orientation covered the application of the HGDG checklist, its relevance to the GAD planning and budgeting process, and its alignment with national gender and development policies. The session was facilitated by Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Assistant Division Chief Maria Jasmin D. Diaz, who engaged participants through interactive discussions and case presentations.

In closing, Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, underscored the importance of capacitating DILG-NCR personnel in GAD mainstreaming:

“As we welcome our new roster of leaders, it is essential that we invest in the continuous development of our personnel to ensure they are well-equipped with the tools and knowledge needed for gender-responsive governance. The strengthening of our institutional capacity paves the way for more equitable and participatory development outcomes across our communities.”

The HGDG initiative supports DILG-NCR’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize gender sensitivity and inclusivity within local governance structures and to ensure that local government units across Metro Manila are equipped to apply GAD principles in their respective mandates.