GAD Benchmarking at Quezon and Laguna
The Cavite State University Gender and Development Focal Point System conducted GAD Benchmarking on June 23 – 24, 2016 at Quezon and Laguna. The activity aims to expose the members of the GAD-FPS to the practices of other agencies and identify the GAD initiatives, thrusts and directions of other agencies which can be adopted by the university in gender mainstreaming.
The first destination was the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) office in Quezon where Ms. Ofelia Palayan, Head, PGAD briefed the participants on GAD Initiatives, Thrusts and Directions of Quezon Province. She emphasized that local policies that elucidate gender- responsive programming and budgeting, coupled with the support of Local Chief Executives and the strong involvement of community members, contribute to successful implementation of the GAD programs.
The group also visited the Women’s Health Center in Quezon which cater to the needs of women for Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPI) screening to detect if there is infection that cause cancer. This is given at a low cost and free for poor residents. The group also visited the Abuse and Trauma Center of the Province which addressed the needs of abused women and children. The place is quite secluded in order to avoid outside interference. They have psychologist and social worker who assist the victims and survivors of abuse.
The City of Tayabas which was awarded as 2014 Most Outstanding City on Gender and Development Implementation in CALABARZON was also visited. The GAD Best Practices of Tayabas City was presented by Ms. Maide Jader, GAD Focal Person of CGAD-Tayabas. She emphasized that the success of GAD in the city was attributed to the full support of the LGUs and commitment and dedication of the GAD personnel and beneficiaries. GAD has been integrated in most services offered by the LGU and is being monitored by the Monitoring and Evaluation Team of the city.
The group stayed at Batis Aramin. Equality among male and female staff of the resort was observed in performing their task.
On the second day, the group visited the Kamay ni Hesus, and they observed that female dominated male in attending religious activities.
In Liliw, Laguna gender division of labor among store operators was observed and as expected more women are working in the store and in-charge of the collection of payments.
The activity was participated by the GAD-Focal Point System including the President, Vice-President, Deans, Directors and GAD Coordinators of the different colleges/campuses/units.
