GAD CORNER

Provincial Governor's Message on Gender and Development

HON. V. DENNIS M. SOCRATES

Provincial Governor
Province of Palawan

Dear Fellow Palaweños,

Welcome to the Gender and Development (GAD) Corner of the Official Website of the Provincial Government of Palawan. This space is dedicated to our ongoing commitment to fostering a society where gender equality and inclusivity are turned into realities.

Gender and Development represents more than a policy framework; it is the embodiment of our collective dedication to creating a province where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive. Our efforts in this domain are grounded in the principles of justice, equity, and respect for human dignity. We recognize that true progress is measured by how inclusively we can advance as a community.

Through the years, our province has made remarkable progress in promoting gender equality. We have launched programs that empower women, support gender-sensitive education, and encourage the economic participation of vulnerable groups. While these initiatives have yielded positive results, there is still an ongoing need for our concerted efforts to address persistent gender disparities.

Our approach to Gender and Development is holistic and integrative as we endeavor to incorporate gender perspectives into all facets of our policies and programs. This ensures that the unique needs and challenges confronting women and men are adequately addressed, fostering a more equitable and dynamic socio-economic environment.

The key focus areas of our program include the following: ensuring access to quality healthcare for all genders; promoting equal educational opportunities; and advocating for fair labor practices. We are also deeply committed to eradicating gender-based violence and discrimination, which are deemed contrary to the very principles of human rights and social progress.

The GAD Corner is designed to be a resource and a hub for information, advocacy, and support. Here, you will find updates on our gender equality initiatives, resources for education and empowerment, and avenues for community engagement. It is our hope that this online platform will inspire and mobilize further action towards gender inclusivity in our province.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the local organizations, community leaders, and all Palaweños who tirelessly advocate for gender equality and contribute to our GAD initiatives. Your passion and dedication are vital to our shared mission of building a just and inclusive society.

As we look to the future, let us remain persistent in our commitment to Gender and Development. By working together, embracing diverse perspectives, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding, we can ensure that gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality for all.

Thank you for visiting the GAD Corner. With determination and unity, we can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Matamang salamat.  All the best canendong tanan!

Provincial Gender and Development Office

Mandate:

The Provincial Integrated Population, Gender and Development Office as created under Section 89, Chapter III of the Rules and Regulations Implementing Provincial Ordinance No. 960, Series of 2006, otherwise known as the Gender and Development Code of the Province of Palawan, and as amended by Provincial Ordinance No. 2383 Series of 2020, Chapter III Rule I, Section 89.  It mandated the Office to coordinate, monitor and shall act as the regulatory arm of the Provincial Government of Palawan in the implementation of gender-sensitive projects and activities. Provincial Ordinance No. 3011, series of 2022, Strengthening the Gender and Development Office in the Provincial Government of Palawan, providing for its plantilla positions, qualification standard and Funds, and Renaming of Provincial Integrated Population and Gender and Development Office to “’Provincial Gender and Development Office”.

Lead in mainstreaming GAD perspective in LGU policies, plans and programs. In the process, ensure the assessment of the gender-responsiveness of systems, structures, policies, programs, processes and procedures of the LGU based on the priority needs and concern of constituencies and employees and the formulation of recommendations including their implementation;

  1. Monitor the implementation of GAD plans, programs and activities from the barangay to the provincial government level;
  1. Conduct capacity-building activities for GAD mainstreaming such as Gender and Development and Sensitivity Orientation, Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting, Gender Diagnosis of Programs/Projects and Gender-Based Information Systems;
  1. Establish and maintain a GAD Database;
  1. Establish GAD Focal Point mechanisms in each department within the Provincial Government for better coordination and monitoring;
  1. Lead the conduct of advocacy activities and the development of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on GAD;
  1. Spearhead the preparation of the Provincial Government’s Annual GAD Plan and Budget in response to women and gender issues;
  1. Lead the preparation of the Annual Provincial GAD Accomplishment Report, GAD Database Report, and other related report for submission to DILG, PCW and COA;
  1. Facilitate the holding of women’s assemblies for consultation and issues and for the registration and nomination of women NGO/CSO representatives to the GAD Council;
  1. Undertake other GAD related programs and projects assigned by the GAD ExeCom Chairperson; and
  1. Supervise the implementation of the Community-Based Gender and Development Enhancement Program in the whole province of Palawan;

Vision:

“THE OFFICE VISION IS IN HARMONY WITH THE PHILIPPINE PLAN FOR GENDER RESPONSIVE DEVELOPMENT (PPGD 1995-2025), A VISION OF DEVELOPMENT THAT IS EQUITABLE, SUSTAINABLE, FREE FROM VIOLENCE, RESPECTFUL OF HUMAN RIGHTS, SUPPORTIVE OF SELF-DETERMINATION AND THE ACTUALIZATION OF HUMAN POTENTIALS, PARTICIPATORY AND EMPOWERING.”

Mission:

TO ESTABLISH AND PROMOTE GENDER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES THAT ARE RESPONSIVE IN ACHIEVING GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Service Pledge:

The Provincial Gender and Development Office pledge and commit to deliver quality services to our clients as promised in the citizen’s charter to wit:

  • Primarily responsible for the promotion, protection, and fulfillment of women’s human rights towards the attainment of women’s empowerment and gender equality in the locality;
  • Lead in mainstreaming Gender and Development perspective in LGU policies, plans and programs;
  • Ensure the assessment of the gender-responsiveness of systems, structures, policies, programs, processes and procedures of the LGU based on the priority needs and concern of constituencies and employees and the formulation of recommendations including their implementation; and
  • Guarantee prompt delivery of Gender-related Programs and Services

COMMUNITY-BASED GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

Program Overview

The Gender and Development Livelihood Enhancement Program is a transformative initiative of the Provincial Government of Palawan designed to empower women and promote gender equality by providing financial support and resources to foster economic independence and social inclusion. Each beneficiary receives a grant of P30,000.00 which serves as seed capital to start or expand a business, enhance their skills, or invest in community-driven projects.

This program aims to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce poverty, and bridge the gender gap in economic opportunities.

Objectives

  • Enable women to achieve financial independence and improve their standard of living through entrepreneurship and skill development.
  • Address gender disparities in economic participation and decision-making by providing women with the resources they need to succeed.
  • Encourage environmentally sustainable business practices and community projects that benefit not only the beneficiaries but also their families and communities.
  • Offer training and mentorship to enhance the beneficiaries’ business insight, leadership skills, and financial literacy.

For Information, Education, and Communication ( IEC ) Materials

News and Activities

55 BENEPISYARYO APEKTADO NG ASF SA MAGSAYSAY, TUMANGGAP NG FINANCIAL LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE MULA SA PAMAHALAANG PANLALAWIGAN NG PALAWAN

Bilang bahagi ng pagpapatuloy ng pagdiriwang ng National Women's Month 2025 na may temang "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Angat Buhay sa Bagong Pilipinas," isinagawa ng Provincial Gender and Development Office ng Palawan ang Awarding of Financial Livelihood Assistance sa limampu’t limang (55) benepisyaryo mula sa Barangay Cocoro, Magsaysay nakaraang...