Search for most gender-responsive LGUs launched

CEBU - The Cebu provincial government is launching the search for most gender-responsive local government units in the province.

Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, who heads the Provincial Women’s Commission and chairperson of the PB committee on women, children and family affairs, said the search will cover the period from 2007 to 2008.

Magpale said the search gives awards and incentives to deserving LGUs in the province that manifest marked gender-responsiveness within that period.

There are three categories for the search: the component cities, component municipalities (1st to 3rd class) and component municipalities (4th to 5th class).

All component cities and municipalities of the province are qualified to join the search, Magpale said.

There are two main criteria for the selection: the program outputs and outcomes, and development impact.

Part of the criteria are the reduced maternal mortality, increased number of women victims of violence provided with appropriate interventions, and increased literacy rate.

Health, nutrition, psychosocial care for women victims of violence, gender-responsive legislation, gender-responsive facilities are also included.

The awarding will be during the provincial women’s congress in March 2009.

The Most Gender-Responsive Component City will receive P50,000 cash and plaque; Most Gender-Responsive Component Municipality (1st to 3rd class), P50,000 cash and plaque; and Most Gender-Responsive Component Municipality (4th to 5th class), P50,000 cash and plaque. — Garry B. Lao/LPM (THE FREEMAN)