After two years of holding the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) National Assembly in virtual platforms, this year’s 7th GFPS Assembly was held at Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City with DPWH-CAR as its host, led by DPWH-CAR GAD Focal Person Vilma F. Talamayan and the GAD TWG and Secretariat.
With this year’s theme ‘Highlighting Women’s Resilience During the Pandemic’, the event started with newly appointed DPWH-CAR Assistant Regional Director Emmanuel W. Diaz, and DPWH-CAR Regional Director Khadaffy D. Tanggol, acknowledging and welcoming the 250 participants, from 16 regions of the country and the guest of honor, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, who was represented by Baguio Councilor Lilia “Leah” Aromin Fariñas.
DPWH Undersecretary for Planning Service and Public-Private Partnership, and the GFPS Executive Committee Chairperson, Engr. Maria Catalina E. Cabral, Ph.D. delivered an inspiring message to the participants.
“We promote and continue to promote, and practice, building a diverse, inclusive, and resilient department and community for women. So, amidst all the barriers, amidst all the problems and challenges; home, work, community, let us still converge our concerted efforts, to make everything work for the benefit of women.” She said.
The Assembly aims to discuss updates on the Department’s GAD programs, as well as to highlight GAD accomplishments for 2022 and to plan what is expected for the year 2023. The assembly included speakers from the Planning Section of the Central Office, as well as the Technical Working Group of the GFPS, like Engr. Erlynrose Mari S. Nazareno, Ms. Jeraine M. Calderon, Ms. Michiko Marie B. Quiachon and Engr. Lea Yvette T. Aguilar.
GAD Expert and National GAD Resource; Batch 5, Ferdinand P. Gonzales discussed the GAD Focal Point System Functionality Tool for National Government Agencies, while Chief of the Environmental and Social Safeguards Division of the Planning Service, Ms. Rosemarie B. Del Rosario, DSD, discussed the Accomplishment of DPWH GAD FY 2022 and future thrusts for FY 2023.
The roles and responsibilities of the GAD Focal Point System Members were also presented in accordance to Department Order 106 series of 2019.
Ms. Del Rosario also led the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to Regions VI and X CAR, for hosting the GAD Assembly in the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively, and the selection of the host for the 8th GFPS Annual Assembly.
The event ended with Ms. Luz Dela Rosa, Director of the Internal Audit Service of DPWH Central Office, leading the GFPS Pledge of Commitment.
“It is truly fortuitous that this assembly falls within the commemoration of the 18-day campaign to END Violence Against Women. May this assembly give us a better understanding of our goal to achieve gender equality as a fundamental value that should be reflected in development choices...” RD Tanggol said in his message
“Let us all work together to make this event a success by letting our voices, opinions, comments, and recommendations be heard.” He added.
