The Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office of Lanao del Sur, represented by Ms Merhama D. Balt , Ms Bai Ameenah, and Normalah L. Pacasum, actively participated in the MILG-BARMM Deepening Session on the Gender and Development (GAD) Program cum Benchmarking held from February 23 to 25, 2025, in Davao City. Organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM), this initiative convened key stakeholders from provincial and city governments across BARMM to enhance their capacity in mainstreaming gender-sensitive policies and programs in local governance.

The three-day session provided an avenue for participants to engage in intensive discussions and workshops aimed at strengthening the implementation of GAD programs in local government units (LGUs). The first day focused on capacity-building, equipping participants with essential knowledge about the functionality of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS), GAD agenda formulation, and the monitoring and evaluation of GAD programs. Experts from various institutions facilitated workshops, allowing participants to develop concrete action plans aligned with national and regional gender mandates.

On the second day, the participants conducted benchmarking activities in Davao City, where they observed and learned from the city’s best practices in gender-responsive governance. Among the sites visited was the Child Minding Program at Almendras Gym, which provides a safe space for children while their parents engage in work and livelihood activities. The participants also visited the Ray of Hope Village at Maa Women’s City Jail, an initiative that ensures the rights and rehabilitation of women persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), as well as the Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) under the City Mayor’s Office, where they explored institutionalized gender-responsive policies and economic empowerment programs such as “Magnegosyo Ta Day,” a flagship initiative that supports women entrepreneurs through training, financial aid, and business opportunities.

The final day was dedicated to reflections, discussions, and the formulation of recommendations to further enhance GAD implementation in BARMM. Participants shared insights gained from the benchmarking activities and outlined strategies for integrating gender-sensitive governance principles into their respective LGUs. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, reaffirming MILG-BARMM’s and PGAD Lanao del Sur’s dedication to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance across the region.

Through this engagement, PGAD Lanao del Sur continues to advocate for the institutionalization of gender-responsive governance, ensuring that policies and programs remain inclusive, equitable, and transformative for all sectors of society.