BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The personnel from the local government unit (LGU) of Makilala, Province of Cotabato led by municipal councilor Adelwisa V. Cruz, chair of the Committee on Gender and Development successfully conducted their benchmarking on GAD best practices during their recent visit in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

The team paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Florencio C. Garay, escorted by the City Social Welfare and Development Officer Grover S. Viduya and staff.

The participants were interested in the livelihood-related undertakings geared towards the economic empowerment of women especially in the vulnerable sectors of the society.

CSWDO chief Viduya took them to the Women’s Display Center at Bislig Baywalk showcasing their local products.

The said visitors stooped by at Ocean View Park and Tinuy-an Falls for sightseeing of the city’s highlights, and thereafter was a sumptuous  dining experience at Kuya Dong's restaurant in the city. 

Moreover, Viduya introduced the visitors to the Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in the city, as the caretakers and protectors of some of its lands, including the tradition and belief systems that signified their deep respect and the  strong sense of place and belongingness, and the sanctity of nature. To underscore, the IP communities sustain the cleanliness and attraction of Tinuy-an Falls, as one element of the natural world that needs to remain  whole for the future generation. (CIO-Bislig/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)