The Department of the Interior and Local GovernmentâNational Capital Region (DILG-NCR) has successfully undergone the Gender and Development (GAD) Seal Onsite Assessment, a key initiative that measures a government agencyâs commitment to gender equality and the mainstreaming of gender-responsive principles in governance.
The GAD Seal, a flagship recognition program under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-024, titled “Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of the GAD Seal Program for DILG Regional and Provincial Offices,” is designed to evaluate and certify national and local government institutions based on their integration of gender perspectives in policies, systems, and operations. The seal is awarded in levels, Bronze, Silver, or Gold, depending on the extent and impact of an institutionâs gender mainstreaming efforts.
Leading the GAD Audit Team were DILG Planning Service Director Vivian M. Suansing, BLGD-LADD Chief Gemma R. Macatangay, LGOO V Jan Marlon L. Eroles, AOV Beatrice Sheila E. Reytas, and POI Georgia Conde. Welcoming the GAD Audit Team were DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, the City Directors and MLGOO of the DILG field offices, and the regional division chiefs and other members of the DILG-NCR GAD Focal Point System.
In the opening remarks, Assistant Regional Director Baltazar-Cortez mentioned how the assessment looks into strengthening the Departmentâs values. âThis assessment is more than a checklist of deliverables. It is a reflection of the values we uphold as public servants. Each component of this audit tells the story of our journey towards creating a more inclusive and responsive public service,â ARD Baltazar-Cortez said.
The audit team conducted a comprehensive evaluation of several key components related to gender and development (GAD) within DILG-NCR.
In closing, Regional Director Agustin emphasized how the assessment improves the DILG-NCRâs service delivery in gender and development. âAs we await the results of this assessment, one thing is already certain: DILG-NCR remains committed, not just to earning the GAD Seal, but to continually improving how we serve our communities and support our workforce through gender-responsive governance,â Regional Director Agustin emphasized.
With the audit completed, DILG-NCR awaits the official results of its GAD Seal certification level. Regardless of the outcome, the agency remains steadfast in its pursuit of continuous improvement, innovation, and leadership in gender and development.
As DILG-NCR moves forward from the said onsite assessment, it does so with renewed resolve, to not only meet standards, but to lead by example. This milestone affirms the regionâs dedication to building a governance framework where gender equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality in every policy, program, and service.
By embedding gender-responsiveness at the heart of public administration, DILG-NCR reaffirms that inclusive governance is essential. The journey toward true equality continues, and DILG-NCR remains at the forefront, championing change for a more just, equitable, and empowered society.