Province to showcase over 80 gender and dev’t projects addressing various issues

The Negros Occidental provincial government is set to showcase more than 80 gender and development (GAD) projects implemented locally in recent years in an exposition on Nov. 20 and 21 at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod.

The GAD Expo 2025, a component of the intensifying gender equality and women empowerment project of the Office of the Governor, will feature almost 20 proponents who will share key insights and information about these projects.

Issues covered are related to education, health, economic empowerment, environmental protection and conservation, and strengthening of institutional/enabling mechanisms.

Provincial Gender and Development Focal Point System action officer Marie June Pavillar-Castro said among the projects implemented are those under the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, and Office of the Governor.

“This is a sharing of the projects funded by the Provincial Gender and Development budget,” she added.

It is mandated by the Republic Act 9710 or Magna Carta of Women and the annual General Appropriations Act that all agencies, local government units (LGUs), government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and constitutional bodies must allocate at least five percent of their total budget for GAD programs and activities.

This year, the Negros Occidental has a GAD budget of PHP310.2 million with 81 approved projects and 27 proponents.

In the GAD Expo 2025, about 120 participants are expected to attend from the LGUs in Negros Occidental and selected GAD Focal Point System members from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)