The Regional Development Council of Region IV-A (CALABARZON) recently awarded recognition to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IV-A for topping the 2018 Search for Outstanding Implementation of Gender and Development (GAD) focused initiatives in the region.

A plaque of recognition for Outstanding GAD Implementer under the group category was given to the DSWD Field Office. Specifically, the Field Office was recognized as outstanding implementer for the initiatives undertaken to ensure application of GAD-focused approach. These initiatives primarily focused on development and amendment of policies applying GAD perspective, capacity building for the personnel and partners, and application of GAD approach in all programs, activities and projects.

These initiatives include series of gender sensitive trainings, workshop on GAD application, awareness raising on GAD at the community level through the different programs of the Department such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the Sustainable Livelihood Program and the Kalahi-CIDSS, and the provision of resource person for local government unit initiated GAD campaigns.

The Search is an annual activity initiated by the Council through its Regional Gender and Development Committee. It is supported by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The conduct of the Search aims to intensify local GAD awareness and advocacy campaigns, encourage full implementation of the respective GAD plans of the member agencies, and recognize outstanding performance along GAD among Council members.with report from HMBalbastro ***