Provincial Government awards Outstanding BLGU GAD Implementers and Municipal GAD Focal Persons in Northern Samar

The annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women in Northern Samar concluded with the Provincial Government recognizing Barangay Local Government Units and Municipal Gender and Development Focal Persons with exemplary gender and development program implementation in their respective areas.

The awarding held on December 18, 2024 at the Provincial Capitol, aims to inspire LGUs to adopt gender-responsive programs and policies, to be replicated by other LGUs as best practices. Likened to the Seal of Good Local Governance, the initiative assesses the presence and functionality of GAD mechanisms in the BLGUs, to include an approved GAD Plan and Budget, efficient GAD budget utilization, capacity development programs related to gender and development, and responsive BVAWC desks, among others.

Gracing the affair, Governor Edwin Ongchuan, commended the barangay LGUs and the Provincial Government GAD Technical Working Group for continuing the efforts to advance gender responsiveness, inclusivity and empowerment in the province. He also thanked Dr. Virginia G. Balanon of the UEP College of Arts and Communication who served as keynote speaker, for her insightful message, underscoring the importance of working together towards ending violence against women.

Atty. Efren Sabong, Provincial Administrator, welcomed the delegation from the different barangays, the Municipal GAD Focal Persons and GAD Executive Committee Members consisting of national government agencies, NGOs and Provincial Government office heads.

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Congratulations to the Excellent BLGU GAD Implementers 2024!

1st placer: BLGU Daganas, Catarman, Northern Samar

2nd placer: BLGU Little Venice, Laoang, Northern Samar

3rd placer: BLGU Lawaan, Laoang, Northern Samar

Consolation Prize Winners:

BLGU Dona Luisa, Laoang

BLGU Zone 5, San Roque

BLGU Macagtas, Catarman

BLGU Lipata, Allen

BLGU Balnasan, San Roque

Outstanding Municipal GAD Focal Persons 2024:

1st placer: Ms. Sarah Irnicka D. Cardenas, GAD Focal Person of Catarman

2nd placer: Ms. Maria Ana C. Acebuche, GAD FP of Laoang

3rd placer: Ms. Emma A. Lobos, GAD FP of Mondragon

Participating BLGUs, Local Chief Executives and MGAD FPs were also recognized for their valuable contribution to the promotion of the Provincial Government’s gender and development objectives.

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar through the PGAD TWG spearheaded the event, supported by the provincial leadership and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan represented by SP Committee on Women and Family Relations Vice Chair Leonida Laodenio, as part of the advocacy for a VAW-free and an empowered community.

Congratulations!