Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said the initiative, which is being co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Makati-Jose P. Rizal, an all-female group, is part of the city government’s thrust to promote the advocacy for Gender and Development (GAD) throughout the city.
"We believe this search is a very effective way to accelerate the city-wide institutionalization of GAD advocacy in Makati because it will drum up considerable awareness and support at the grassroots," Binay said.
Spearheaded by the Makati Social Welfare Development, the search aims to promote collaboration of men and women in development as well as motivate barangays to establish structures that will spearhead the implementation of GAD.
"This is also to encourage the barangays to formulate and implement gender-responsive policies, programs and projects," the mayor said.
He enjoined the active participation of all barangay officials in making a determined pitch for their respective barangays to win the search.
He urged them to prioritize the formation of a functional Barangay GAD Council, which will serve "to jumpstart the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that address prevailing gender issues and concerns."
MSWD chief Marjorie de Veyra said that as the city’s partner in this project, the RC Makati-Jose P. Rizal will provide trophies and cash prizes for the top three barangays, and a marker declaring the first place winner as the "Gender-Responsive Barangay of Makati."
De Veyra said the search will run from March 27 to Nov. 22, 2006. Winners will be recognized in awarding ceremonies on Dec. 11, 2006. – Rhodina Villanueva