The DILG National Capital Region, in partnership with the Quezon City Gender and Development Council (GADCO), successfully conducted the roll-out activity for the Revised Guidelines on the Localization of the Magna Carta of Women, under DILG-NCR’s resilient women program titled, “Women Lead: Accelerating Women Leadership and Empowerment in the National Capital Region.” With the issuance of the PCW-DILG-DBM-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-01: Revised Guidelines on the Localization of the Magna Carta of Women, the said activity strengthened the capacities of the GAD Focal Persons of NCR LGUs in integrating gender inclusive principles into local policies, programs, and budgeting processes. 

Quezon City Councilor Hon. Doc Ellie Juan, Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, graced the event and underscored the critical role of the GAD Focal Persons in advancing gender inclusivity at the local level. 

“Sa pamamagitan ng ating sama-samang pagkilos, makakabuo tayo ng mas matatag at inklusibong lokal na pamahalaan na tunay na kumikilala at nagtataguyod ng karapatan at kapakanan ng lahat—lalo na ng kababaihan at mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director of DILG-NCR,  echoed in her welcoming remarks. 

The event also featured a comprehensive discussion of the revised JMC by LGCDD Assistant Division Chief Maria Jasmin D. Diaz, who detailed crucial updates on GAD Planning and Budgeting process and timeline. Participants engaged in a strategic action planning workshop to facilitate the rollout of the revised guidelines to barangays within their areas of jurisdiction. 

Highlighting real-world impact, Ms. Janete R. Oviedo, MPA, Chairperson of Quezon City’s GAD Focal Point System-Technical Working Group, showcased the city’s “InKYUSIve” approach, which integrates traditional GAD initiatives with PRIDE programs to create a more comprehensive framework for inclusion.

DILG Quezon City Director Emmanuel D. Borromeo, CESO V, commended the active participation of NCR’s LGU GAD Focal Persons while emphasizing the critical role of monitoring and evaluation systems in measuring program effectiveness.

This initiative solidifies the continuing commitment of the Department in ensuring gender responsiveness and inclusivity in local development, and in nurturing safe and inclusive communities for all genders from all walks of life.