CATARMAN, Northern Samar—The provincial government of Northern Samar concluded the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with a celebration recognizing outstanding Gender and Development (GAD) program implementers among Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) and Municipal GAD Focal Persons. The awarding ceremony was held on December 18, 2024, at the Provincial Capitol.
The initiative aims to inspire local government units to adopt and replicate gender-responsive programs and policies as best practices. Similar to the Seal of Good Local Governance, the awards assess the functionality and effectiveness of GAD mechanisms within BLGUs. Criteria include having an approved GAD Plan and Budget, efficient budget utilization, capacity development programs, and responsive Barangay VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desks, among others.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan graced the occasion, commending the awardees and the provincial government GAD technical working group for advancing gender responsiveness, inclusivity, and empowerment in the province.
He also expressed gratitude to keynote speaker Dr. Virginia G. Balanon from the University of Eastern Philippines College of Arts and Communication for her insightful message, emphasizing collective efforts to end violence against women.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Efren Sabong welcomed attendees, including delegates from various barangays, Municipal GAD focal persons, and members of the GAD executive committee, which includes representatives from national government agencies, NGOs, and Provincial Government office heads.
Outstanding BLGU GAD Implementers 2024 were 1st place, BLGU Daganas, Catarman; 2nd place, BLGU Little Venice, Laoang; and 3rd place, BLGU Lawaan, Laoang.
Consolation prize winners were BLGU Doña Luisa, Laoang; BLGU Zone 5, San Roque; BLGU Macagtas, Catarman; BLGU Lipata, Allen; and BLGU Balnasan, San Roque.
As for the Outstanding Municipal GAD Focal Persons 2024: 1st place, Sarah Irnicka D. Cardenas, Catarman; 2nd place, Maria Ana C. Acebuche, Laoang; and 3rd place, Emma A. Lobos, Mondragon.
Participating BLGUs, local chief executives, and Municipal GAD focal persons were also recognized for their valuable contributions to advancing the province’s gender and development goals.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
