QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) recently honored several national government agencies (NGAs) and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for their exceptional efforts in promoting gender equality.
The ceremony, held on August 14, 2023, at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier in Taguig City, recognized the achievements of 18 NGAs and GOCCs in integrating gender and development (GAD) principles into their programs and initiatives.
The GADtimpala Awards, presented by PCW Executive Director Atty. Kristine Rosary Yuzon-Chaves and the GADtimpala Selection Board, acknowledge government agencies that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to gender equality. The 18 recipients, carefully chosen through a thorough selection process, were presented with a distinctive "Liwanag" trophy, created by esteemed Filipino artist Julie Lluch, as well as a glass marker as a symbol of their achievement.
PCW Executive Director Atty. Kristine Rosary Yuzon-Chaves delivers her message during the ceremony, held on August 14, 2023, at Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. (PCW photo)
The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of 16 outstanding GAD Focal Point Systems, which represent the recognized agencies. These systems were honored with the GADtimpala AlaGAD Award, along with a glass plaque and a tablet sponsored by SM Supermalls, who graciously hosted the event.
During her speech, Atty. Yuzon-Chaves commended the awardees for their dedication and innovative approaches in integrating GAD principles into their programs. She expressed her hope that their achievements would inspire other agencies to participate in future GADtimpala events, emphasizing the potential for collective progress in promoting gender equality.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos virtually joined the celebration, congratulating the awardees and emphasizing the importance of gender equality and women's rights in society. Their presence at the event further highlighted the significance of the agencies' achievements in advancing gender equality within the Philippines.
The Commission on Audit (COA) was a standout at the ceremony, securing the prestigious GADtimpala Gold Award in both the Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Agency and Exemplary GAD Focal Point System categories. COA's Chairperson Atty. Gamaliel A. Cordoba attributed these recognitions to over two decades of dedicated GAD advocacy within the agency, showcasing its unwavering commitment to gender mainstreaming.
In addition to COA, eight NGAs and GOCCs were awarded the GADtimpala Silver Award for Outstanding Government Agency, while nine received the Bronze Award. At least 10 agencies were recognized with the GADtimpala AlaGAD Silver Award, and five received the Bronze Award in the Exemplary GAD Focal Point System category.
The event also highlighted the collaboration between PCW and SM Supermalls, as both parties signed an agreement to jointly promote laws protecting women and girls. This partnership shows the importance of public-private cooperation in creating a more inclusive society.
With the theme “MCW@14: Strengthening and Recognizing Government Gender Mainstreaming Initiatives towards Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls,” this year’s awarding ceremony is the third time that NGAs and GOCCs were recognized under this MCW-mandated awards and incentives system. (PCW/PIA-NCR)
