Confab to make LGUs 'gender responsive'

The Provincial Women's Commission, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, will be holding a conference that will help transform local government units into "gender-responsive communities."

Provincial Board member Agnes Magpale, who heads the Provincial Committee on Women, Children and Family and also the co-chairperson of the Provincial Women's Commission, said that it is the objective of the conference "to give focus on gender mainstreaming in local government units as well as in clarifying the importance of being gender sensitive in determining the needs of the community in planning and carrying out local programs and in running government machinery.

She said the conference is also aimed at guiding the local officialdom in ensuring that the human rights of the constituents, especially those from the marginalized sector, like women, children, senior citizens and differently-abled persons are protected and promoted.

Invited to discuss on the program thrusts of the national government are DILG assistant secretary Austere Panadero, executive director Emmeline Versoza, Department of Budget and Management regional director Carmela Fernan and the officer in charge of the National Economic and Development Authority Sandra Manuel. - Ferliza C. Contratista