DILG Davao del Sur Opens Child-Minding Area to Support Working Parents in the Workplace

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao del Sur marked another milestone in promoting gender-responsive governance and family-friendly workplace initiatives with the official opening of its Child-Minding Area at the Provincial Office. The launching ceremony was held on July 22, 2025, attended by DILG personnel and partner stakeholders.

The establishment of the Child-Minding Area is in line with the DILG’s commitment to foster work-life balance, support working parents, and uphold inclusive workplace policies—particularly under the agency’s Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives. This dedicated space provides a safe, nurturing environment for the young children of employees while their parents fulfill their duties in public service.

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

In his message, Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan,CESO III, who oversees Local Government Operations, lauded the initiative as a model for other field offices: “The opening of the Child-Minding Area in Davao del Sur is a clear manifestation that the DILG walks its talk when it comes to promoting inclusive, family-centered, and gender-responsive governance. This initiative is not only a service to our employees but a strong signal that we value the well-being of families as a foundation of public service.”

National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) Director Dennis Villasenor, CESO III echoed this sentiment, highlighting its practical and symbolic impact: “Our barangays are the frontline institutions of care, and so too should our offices be. This facility improves employee morale and well-being, and ensures that no parent has to choose between duty and childcare.”

DILG Regional Director Abdullah M. Matalam commended the DILG Davao del Sur Provincial Office for pioneering this initiative in the region: “This is more than a facility—it is a statement. It reflects our shared belief that governance must begin at home, and that a government that takes care of its people must also take care of its workforce. I congratulate PD Mika-Chan Magtulis and her team for this innovative and compassionate milestone.”

Provincial Director Mika-Chan S. Magtulis, CESO V, emphasized the relevance of the facility to the realities faced by many government workers: “This Child-Minding Area is our concrete response to the everyday challenges of our working parents. There are many young parents here in the Province. With this area, it becomes a safe space, a support system, and a reflection of the culture of care we uphold in DILG Davao del Sur. We are proud to lead this initiative in the region.”

𝗔 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

The Child-Minding Area is equipped with age-appropriate toys, books, learning materials, and child-safe furnishings, and will be managed by trained staff under the supervision of the office’s GAD Focal Point System. The facility is expected to benefit not only employees of DILG but also other partner-agencies within the provincial government complex.

With this development, DILG Davao del Sur reaffirms its commitment to people-centered governance—not just in communities, but within the very institutions that serve them.

#GADWorksInDavaodelSur

#DavSurKnowsGAD

#WeGADthis

#GADnified_DILGDavSur

Source : DILG XI - Davao del Sur Facebook page