ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÖ·Ê×Ò³½øÈë

The Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) successfully conducted its 1^st Quarter Meeting on February 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon via Zoom videoconferencing. The meeting gathered GFPS members and representatives to review key policy developments, assess accomplishments, and set strategic directions for strengthening Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming in the Province of Cavite.

The meeting formally commenced with a welcome message delivered by Ms. Aliyah Gonzales of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO) who also presided over the session. The initial agenda focused on the presentation of the minutes of the previous meeting, which highlighted significant updates such as the designation of Ms. Precyl T. Ramos as the Provincial GAD Focal Person and the election of Mr. Angelo A. Peñalba as Chairperson of the GFPS Technical Working Group. Updates on the Plan and Implementation Review of GAD Programs, Projects, and Activities for FY 2025–2026 were also shared, noting the completion of Training Needs Assessment Forms by concerned offices.

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of Executive Order No. 1, s. 2026 and Executive Order No. 2, s. 2026, both signed by Hon. Francisco Gabriel D. Remulla, Provincial Governor and GFPS Chairperson. These Executive Orders formally reorganized and reconstituted the GFPS and its Monitoring and Evaluation Team, reflecting the inclusion of new members and clearly defining the roles and functions of the GFPS, the M&E Team, and key officials.

The Council also reviewed the 2025 GAD Accomplishment Report of the Province, presented by Mr. Peñalba. It was reported that the GAD Accomplishment Report had already been submitted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Cavite for review. Notably, the Province’s GAD expenditure reached PhP 608.76 million, equivalent to 6.84% of the total local government budget, exceeding the mandatory 5% allocation.

The plans and priorities for the coming years were likewise discussed. The proposed GAD-related trainings for 2026 include capacity-building on gender analysis tools and gender mainstreaming with basic technical writing for gender-responsive programs and projects. Updates were also provided on the consolidation of the 2027 GAD Plan and Budget which will be submitted to the DILG upon completion. In addition, the Provincial Government of Cavite announced that it will host the 2026 Regional Women’s Month Celebration on March 27, 2026, with program details and inter-office responsibilities presented for coordination.

Further enriching the discussion, Ms. Beverly Villaruel of DILG – Cavite presented the salient features of Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-01, emphasizing updated guidelines on the preparation of GAD Plans and Budgets and GAD Accomplishment Reports of local government units. Under Other Matters, Ms. Janeal Krayjn Rebutazo of the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÖ·Ê×Ò³½øÈë – Gender and Development Resource Center presented the WELA 2026 Briefer and invited GFPS members to participate in the 4th International Conference, with registration fees waived for interested participants.

The meeting reinforced the GFPS’ continued commitment to institutionalizing gender-responsive policies, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and fostering inclusive and equitable development across the Province of Cavite. (by Janeal Krayjn Rebutazo)