Sapian NHS backs GAD program

BY GERTRUDES PATRICIA MAZEL G. ACEVEDO
Teacher III
Sapian National High School GAD Focal Person

SAPIAN, Capiz — A school here is supporting the Gender and Development (GAD) of the national government.

The Sapian National High School (SNHS) conducted a two-day training on GAD that aimed to inform the teachers on the concept of the program and to become advocates on gender responsiveness not only to the students and parents but in all sectors of society.

GAD refers to the development perspective that recognizes the equal contribution of men and women in all aspects or sectors of development. This program aims to give chance to women to be full and equal partners of men in nation building. Gender equality means the equal empowerment and participation of both sexes in all spheres of public and private life.

Under Executive Order No. 273, otherwise known as the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development, the period of implementation started way back in 1995 and will end on 2025.

It has the following visions: gender equality and equity, women’s empowerment and self-determination, sustainable development, peace and social justice, democratic participation, and respect of human rights.

The training was held on October 28–29 at the SNHS Cultural Gym with the following topics: GAD Mandate, Women’s Situationer, Understanding Sex and Gender as well as Sex and Gender Roles, Gender Mainstreaming in Education, pertinent Laws on Women, Anti -Violence Against Women and their Children Act and the Rights of the Women.

The activity was attended by the principal, four department heads and 56 teachers as part of their In-Service Training.

Resource speakers were Dr. Jimmy B. Billones, SNHS principal; Gertrudes Patricia Mazel G. Acevedo, SNHS GAD Focal Person; and Bienvenido F. Acevedo Jr., GAD Provincial Technical Working Group member of Capiz.

Billones stressed: “It is necessary to have a Gender Mainstreaming in Education especially in high school in order to make the institution more gender-sensitive.”/PN

   


WV EXCELL awards to 
be adopted nationwide

ROXAS City — The Excellence in Local Governance (EXCELL) Awards will be implemented in all the local government units (LGUs) in the country next year.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo revealed during the awarding ceremony in this year’s Western Visayas EXCELL Awards in Bacolod City on December 20 that he will make a directive for the adoption of the search nationwide.

Robredo said the EXCELL Awards which is only implemented in Region 6 will be adopted in all regions by next year, according to Llanie Destacamento, chief of the Capiz Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Operation Services.

Robredo, she said, appreciated and recognized the value of the competition for LGUs; it is very beneficial for the people because LGUs are trying to give the best governance to their constituents.

The EXCELL Awards started in 2008 by the DILG-6 under Director Evelyn Trompeta.

It recognizes the best managed local governments in the regions that demonstrate the best practices, achievements as well as innovations in governance, administration, social services, economic development, environmental management and local legislation.

The program also aims to advocate for transparency and accountability in governance, positively reinforce good performers, popularize replicable best practices and identify possible interventions to improve LGU performance.

Earlier, Panay Mayor Dante Bermejo, also the League of Municipalities–Capiz Chapter president, said the EXCELL program is a challenge and motivator for local officials and employees to work more and perform their best while doing the programs and services for the public.

Bermejo also stressed that because of the competition, everyone in the local government unit strives hard to make good in their respective departments.

It is rewarding to note that you excel not only in the delivery of social services but in local governance in general, he said. (Jemin B. Guillermo/PIA/PN)