Continuing Legal Education for DILG LGOOs in Davao Region Highlights Gender-Responsive Governance

Davao City – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI conducted its Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) on September 4, 2024, at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases, Bo. Obrero, Davao City. The activity brought together LGOOs from across the Davao Region to strengthen their understanding of local governance while integrating gender equality and inclusivity in their professional practice.
The sessions featured a rich line-up of topics and resource persons:

Gendering Public Organizations – LGOO VI Erna P. Sumalinab, MPA-PP, emphasized the importance of institutionalizing gender perspectives and applying GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) frameworks in public service delivery.

Understanding Local Legislation in Governance – Atty. Camille E. Flores, Assistant Division Chief of the Local Government Capacity Development Division (LGCDD), provided an in-depth discussion on the role of legislation in shaping responsive and accountable governance.

Pitfalls in Local Government – Atty. Jay M. Visto and Atty. David Gil A. Morales, both GIPO II from the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao, shared insights on common issues and challenges faced by local governments, underscoring the importance of ethical and lawful practices.

Updates on the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) – LGOO VI Maria Ruby B. Batingal, Assistant Division Chief of the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED), presented the latest developments and requirements in the implementation of SGLG, the flagship performance recognition and assessment system of the DILG.

Latest DILG Legal Opinions – Atty. Shaniz Abalorio-Cañete, Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Legal Service Unit (RLSU), discussed updated legal issuances and interpretations relevant to LGUs and LGOOs in their advisory and technical roles.

Beyond legal updates, the CLE highlighted the DILG’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive governance. The integration of gender perspectives and GEDSI applications into the training reflects the agency’s advocacy to ensure that public administration becomes more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of communities.
The activity reaffirmed the crucial role of LGOOs in guiding local governments toward good governance practices, while also strengthening their capacity to champion gender equality and inclusivity within their respective areas of assignment.