Munti LGU benchmarking visit to Iloilo hub

Delegates from the local government of Muntinlupa, through the Gender and Development Office, visited the province of Iloilo, one of GAD’s learning hub, for a three-day convention, “GAD…Where are We Now?” organized by the Women Involved in Nation-building (WIN) thrust to capacitate LGU personnel widen horizon on furthering inclusive development for all and eliminating gender biases.

The forum discussed women’s role in development on a local, national scale, and how can the local government units tap the invaluable potential of an all-encompassing growth.

The three-day convention also comprised benchmark visits to Iloilo’s provincial government units in studying best practices of women economic empowerment, among others.

Muntinlupa LGU delegates visited the Municipality of Miag-ao, known for its successful GAD project on “hablon” weaving which turned as a livelihood project for its locals.

Miag-ao Mayor Macario Napulan shared the city’s humble beginnings in attaining gender sensitive programs and projects for Miagaonons.

He added that the willpower to preserve their culture, hablon textile industry, and strong commitment to give women access to economic opportunities were their driving force that gave birth to a gender responsive enabling environment for women's economic empowerment, especially in microenterprise.

The Municipality of Miagao contributed to the celebrated and distinguished Gender-Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) Project which thrust to escalate the need for an equal development for all and addressing gender issues.

WIN executive Corazon del Mundo empowered the participants to mainstream GAD projects on LGU plan and budget in setting voice for vulnerable sector such as the women group.

Muntinlupa LGU representatives take on the challenge of advancing women rights and moving forward GAD services to give locals access to economic avenues for growth.

The City Government of Muntinlupa, in the leadership of Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, is one of the cities in Metro Manila which already passed a GAD Code constituting women rights as part of the City Council’s priority program.

Fresnedi administration significantly embraces gender sensitivity as part of its development programs for constituency.