COA Central Office Conducts GAD Audit at DILG XI Davao City
Personnel from the Commission on Audit (COA) Central Office conducted a Gender and Development (GAD) Audit with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XI yesterday, September 16, 2025, at the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) Conference Room.
The activity was attended by members of the DILG XI Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Executive Committee (ExeCom) and Technical Working Group (TWG). The audit sought to assess the agency’s level of gender mainstreaming and determine the extent to which GAD plans, programs, and activities are integrated into its operations and service delivery. Through a series of discussions, document reviews, and validation processes, the COA auditors examined the region’s GAD structures, policies, and accomplishments. They also engaged the GFPS members in evaluating strengths, identifying gaps, and exploring opportunities to further advance gender-responsive governance within DILG XI.
The GAD Audit serves as a mechanism to ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance with the Magna Carta of Women and other gender-related policies. More importantly, it highlights the agency’s commitment to promoting inclusive development by addressing gender issues in both internal operations and external programs.
DILG XI, through its GFPS ExeCom and TWG, expressed its support and readiness to strengthen gender mainstreaming initiatives in response to the audit findings.
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.
Gender-Fair Language Highlighted in Leadership Refresher Course for Davao Officials
Davao City, July 30, 2025 — The Transformative Leadership for Elevated Governance: Refresher Course for local officials of Davao City and Davao Occidental, held on July 29–30, 2025 at The Ritz Hotel, emphasized the importance of inclusive communication in public service. During the session on Leadership Branding, Social Media Communication, and Public Speaking, PIA XI Regional Director Rene V. Carbayas urged participants to adopt gender-fair and inclusive language in both official and everyday communication. He explained that leadership branding is not only about public image but also about building a reputation rooted in respect, integrity, and inclusivity.
Carbayas emphasized that using inclusive language is more than political correctness—it’s a reflection of a leader’s commitment to equality, respect for diversity, and ethical governance. Practical tips were also shared to help local officials move away from gendered and stereotypical terms.
The session reinforced DILG XI’s continued advocacy for transformative and people-centered leadership, where inclusive communication plays a key role in building trust and promoting equality in local governance. CEF
DILG XI Launches Newly-Renovated GAD Corner, Breastfeeding Station, and Child Minding Center Davao City
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XI formally launched the newly-renovated Gender and Development (GAD) Corner, Breastfeeding Station, and Child Minding Center at the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) Building on July 28, 2025.
The upgraded facilities aim to provide a more inclusive and family-friendly environment within the Department. The GAD Corner serves as a hub for resources on gender and development; the Breastfeeding Station offers a safe and hygienic space for nursing mothers; and the Child Minding Center provides a secure area where children are cared for while parents attend to official duties.
Through these initiatives, DILG XI reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender-responsive governance and family welfare in the workplace.
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.
DILG XI Personnel Oriented on New CODI Procedural Rules During Kapehan sa Onse
Davao City – May 26, 2025 – As part of its regular “Kapehan sa Onse” session, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XI (DILG XI) conducted an orientation on the newly adopted Procedural Rules of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) for Sexual Harassment Cases in DILG XI at the LGRRC Conference Room.
The session was led by Atty. Shaniz A. Abalorio-Cañete, Officer-in-Charge Regional Legal Officer and Chairperson of the DILG XI CODI, who presented the comprehensive procedural guidelines for handling sexual harassment cases within the regional office. The orientation aimed to ensure that all personnel are aware of the appropriate steps, responsibilities, and safeguards involved in reporting and addressing such cases.
Atty. Abalorio-Cañete discussed the key provisions of the manual, highlighting the importance of upholding confidentiality, impartiality, and due process. The orientation served as a proactive measure to reinforce DILG XI’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and gender-sensitive workplace.
The activity was attended by all personnel assigned at the DILG XI Regional Office. This orientation marks a significant step in operationalizing the newly approved manual and institutionalizing internal mechanisms to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. DILG XI remains steadfast in its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of every employee’s dignity in the workplace. CEF
DILG XI Officially Launches GAD Website to Promote Gender and Development Advocacy
The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XI (DILG XI) proudly announces the official launching of its GAD Website—a significant step in advancing gender mainstreaming and promoting transparency and accessibility of GAD-related information.
The newly launched GAD Website serves as a comprehensive repository of DILG XI’s Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives. It houses the agency’s GAD database, annual GAD Plan and Budget, and GAD Accomplishment Reports, providing stakeholders and the general public with direct access to key documents that reflect the agency’s commitment to gender-responsiveness in governance.
In addition, the platform features documentation of GAD-related activities conducted by DILG XI, offering insights into the agency’s continuous efforts in building inclusive and equitable communities. It also provides access to various GAD knowledge products and resources, which aim to raise awareness, support policy-making, and strengthen the capacity of LGUs and partners in implementing GAD programs.
With this digital milestone, DILG XI reinforces its dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality, and empowering local government units to uphold gender-responsive governance. The GAD Website is now live and accessible to the public, marking a new chapter in DILG XI’s commitment to transparent and impactful GAD advocacy. CEF
DILG XI CODI Convenes to Finalize Procedural Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases
Davao City – April 29, 2025 – The Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XI convened for an official meeting at the LGRRC Conference Room to deliberate on the draft manual entitled “Procedural Rules of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) for Sexual Harassment Cases in DILG XI.” The session marked a significant step in strengthening institutional mechanisms to address and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
The draft manual was formally presented by Atty. Shaniz A. Abalorio-Cañete, Chairperson of the CODI. In her presentation, Atty. Abalorio-Cañete emphasized the importance of procedural clarity, fairness, and confidentiality in handling sexual harassment cases. The manual outlines the steps and protocols that CODI members must observe in receiving complaints, conducting investigations, and rendering resolutions in accordance with existing laws and policies.
Following a comprehensive review and open discussion, all provisions of the manual were unanimously approved by the CODI members. The body agreed that the final version of the manual would be submitted to the Regional Director for formal approval.
To ensure that all personnel are well-informed about the procedural rules and their corresponding rights and responsibilities, the CODI resolved to conduct a region-wide orientation session. The orientation shall be scheduled fifteen (15) calendar days after the manual is approved by the Regional Director.
The development and adoption of this manual reaffirm DILG XI’s commitment to upholding a safe and respectful workplace environment, anchored on transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process. CEF
Mainstreaming Gender in Governance: Integration of Gender Concepts During the Orientation on the CY 2025 Regional Institutional Development Support Program
As part of its continuous pursuit of inclusive and gender-responsive local governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XI successfully integrated gender concepts into the Orientation on the Calendar Year 2025 Regional Institutional Development Support Program (RIDSP) held from April 22 to 25, 2025, at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City.
Jointly organized by the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) and the Local Government Capacity Development Division (LGCDD), the activity convened DILG field officers from across the region to align on institutional development priorities and to strengthen gender awareness in governance work.
To enrich the orientation, DILG XI strategically included a session on Gender Sensitivity and the Use of Gender-Fair Language, led by OIC-Provincial Director Djamyla M. Caballero of DILG Davao Occidental. Known for her strong advocacy on gender equality, PD Caballero facilitated an insightful discussion that reintroduced core gender sensitivity principles and challenged participants to reflect on their roles in breaking gender stereotypes within the bureaucracy and the communities they serve.
A key focus of the session was the use of gender-fair language—a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of daily communication. PD Caballero emphasized that language shapes perceptions and realities; thus, adopting gender-fair terms is a step toward dismantling systemic bias and promoting inclusive discourse in governance.
Participants expressed appreciation for the session, noting that it provided both practical tools and renewed motivation to apply gender sensitivity in their technical work, policy recommendations, stakeholder engagements, and everyday professional interactions.
By embedding gender concepts into a major technical orientation, DILG XI underscored that gender responsiveness is not a separate or secondary concern—it is integral to effective governance and institutional development. Their joint initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to mainstreaming gender in all its programs, services, and engagements.
This collaborative and forward-looking approach marks another milestone in DILG Region XI’s journey toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-sensitive governance landscape—where every voice is valued, and no one is left behind. CEF
