Provincial Government announces Search for Excellent Barangay LGU GAD Implementor and Outstanding Municipal GAD Focal Person

In recognition of gender-responsive barangays and gender and development champions in municipalities of the province, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar through the Provincial Gender and Development Technical Working Group launched the 2024 Search for Excellent Barangay Local Government Unit Gender and Development (BLGU GAD) Implementor and the Gawad "MangGAD" Outstanding Municipal GAD Focal Person (MGADFP) on August 5, 2024 in a meeting of the Provincial and Municipal GAD focal persons at the Sumuroy Hall.

“The search seeks to recognize outstanding barangays that excel in Gender and Development Program implementation where BLGUs can draw inspiration in formulating and implementing GAD-centered policies, programs, and services,” Ms. Ma. Teresita Gacusan, chair of the PGAD TWG announced. Through the initiative, Governor Edwin Ongchuan hopes to encourage LGUs to promote gender-responsive activities in the province, which is an essential component of inclusive and sustainable development.

The winning barangays will receive cash incentives of 70,000 (1st Prize), 50,000 (2nd Prize), 30,000 (3rd Prize), and 5 consolation prizes for the finalists amounting to 10,000 each plus plaques of recognition from the Provincial Government.

In support to the Excellent BLGU GAD Implementor, the search for the 2024 Outstanding Municipal GAD Focal Person or the first Gawad MangGAD was also launched, to acknowledge the efforts of Municipal Gender and Development Focal Persons MGAD FP) who play a crucial role in leading Gender and Development interventions in the province from planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The initiative seeks to encourage LGUs to strengthen their municipal Focal Point Systems, promote GAD interventions and recognize best practices on GAD implementation in municipalities.

The winning MGAD FPs will be awarded with cash incentives amounting to 10,000 (1st Prize), 5,000 (2nd Prize), and 3,000 (3rd Prize) along with plaques of recognition.

The selection will be based on the presence and regularity of GAD Plans and Budget, accomplishments, conduct and participation in GAD-related activities, utilization of GAD budget, presence of VAWC desk, functionality of GAD focal point system in B/LGUs, and innovations.

Submission of nominations will close on October 7, 2024, which will be followed by the validation. The awarding is set during the culmination of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.