MARAWI CITY (PIA)—The Bangsamoro Government, through the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), convened the Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) of various ministries, agencies, and offices (MOAs) to formulate a new Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda for inclusive and gender-responsive programs, March 27–31, 2023, here.

According to BWC chair Bainon Karon, the GAD Agenda formulation is vital to strengthening gender mainstreaming in the Bangsamoro region.

"Makakatulong ang gender mainstreaming na isulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay na kasarian sa pamamagitan ng pagtiyak na ang mga pangangailangan at pananaw ng kababaihan at kalalakihan ay isinasaalang-alang sa lahat ng mga patakaran, programa, at proyekto ng gobyerno (BARMM)," she said.

(Gender mainstreaming can help advance gender equality by ensuring that the needs and perspectives of women and men are considered in all government policies, programs, and projects)

Karon said gender mainstreaming in BARMM is important for promoting equality, improving service delivery, enhancing women's empowerment, addressing gender-based violence, and ensuring sustainable development. "Ito ay isang pamumuhunan sa pagbuo ng isang mas inklusibo at patas na lipunan para sa lahat (It is an investment in building a more inclusive and fair society for all)," she added.

Based on the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular 2018-04, the GAD Agenda is a vital process to ensure a well-prepared GAD planning and budgeting as well as the GAD Accomplishment Report.

"Ang isa sa pangunahing mandato nag Bangsamoro Women Commission ay mag-monitor sa maayos na paggamit ng five percent GAD Budget at gender mainstreaming sa bawat ahensya ng BARM. Marapat lang na aming tutukan ang pagkakaroon ng mayos na preparasyon ng GAD plan and budget at submisyon ng GAD Accomplishment Report," Karon stressed.

(One of the main mandates of the Bangsamoro Women Commission is to monitor the proper use of the five percent GAD Budget and gender mainstreaming in each BARM agency. We should also focus on the proper preparation of the GAD plan and budget and the submission of the GAD Accomplishment Report)

Simultaneously, the finalization of the Regional Action Plan on Peace, Women, and Security (RAPWPS) was also held. The RAP-WPS is a 10-year action plan that aims to meet the different needs of women and create a more concrete and gender-sensitive plan for promoting the protection of women in the Bangsamoro region so that there is lasting peace and equal rights for men and women.

The UK Government, Australian Aid, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) all supported the activity. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)