GAD Annual Narrative Report 2020

Gender and Development refers to the development perspective and process that
is participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of
human rights, supportive of self-determination and actualization of human potentials, as
defined by Philippine Commission on Women Memorandum Circular No. 2011-01.

Gender and Development focused on women empowerment at the same time
gender equality in the society and collaborative programs in partnership with other
institutions. GAD-related activities were conducted for the promotion of gender agenda
in ENR programs and projects. These were specifically pursed mainly to address gender
concerns in the society. In accomplishing the given targets, two way processes are
involved: the client-focused and the organization based.

The Organization-focused activities includes the strengthening of our GAD
Regional Focal Point System on the different GAD activities in coordination with
Regional Development Council GAD Committee where DENR was the Co-Chair on
Health and Environment Committee which GAD Focal Persons from the Field Offices
(PENROs and CENROs) implemented GAD activities in coordination with their Local
Government Units. PENRO and CENRO GAD Focal Person in close coordination with
section concerns to properly document the accomplishment of the region mainstreamed
activities.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 1

I. REGIONAL GAD FOCAL POINT SYSTEM STRENGTHENING

For CY 2020, the Regional Gender and Development Focal Point System
(RGADFPS) of DENR-Caraga Region was reconstituted by the virtue of the Regional
Special Order No. 659 series of 2020. The Regional GFPS was chaired by Chief
Finance, Racelyn A. Argosino and Regional Executive Director, Atty. Felix S. Alicer
chaired the Executive Committee. On the mid-year, the RGADFPS was again reconsti-
tuted due to the changed of the Regional Executive Director. Hence, the Executive
Committee is now chaired by OIC, Regional Executive Director, Hadja Didaw D. Piang
-Brahim, CESO IV and RGADFPS is chaired by Planning and Management Division
Chief, For. Antonieta A. Jurado by the virtue of the Regional Special Order No. 343,
series of 2020.

Per Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular No. 2011-
01, the GAD Focal Point System is defined as an interacting and independent group of
people in all government instrumentalities
tasked to catalyse and accelerate gender
mainstreaming. It is a mechanism estab-
lished to ensure and advocate for, guide,
coordinate, and monitor the development,
implementation, review and updating of
their GAD plans and GAD-related pro-
grams, activities, and projects (PAPs).

For CY 2020, the Regional RGAD-

FPS conducted a regular quarterly meeting

and discussed the DENR-Caraga’s compli-

ance with the Republic Act No. 7192

known as “Women Development and Na-

tion Buidling Act” and other related laws

pertinent to GAD and acted on matters and

imposed decisions on GAD. The meeting Photo documentation of DENR-RGADFPS 1st
served as a venue to deliberate the imple- Quarter meeting for CY 2020 at the Regional

mentation of GAD in the ENR programs Learning Center in Brgy. Ambago, Butuan City on

February 18, 2020

and projects.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 2

The quarterly meetings was attended by the RGADFPS Chairperson, Vice-
Chairperson, Secretariat, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee Members, Planning and
Budgeting Committee Members, Legal Committee Members, Training Committee
Members, Knowledge Information System Services Committee Members, CEPA and
Special Events Committee Members, GAD Day Care/Drop-in Center Committee Mem-
bers, External Affairs and Relation Committee Members, PENROs GAD Focal Persons,
and CENROs GAD Focal Point System.

The RGADFPS discussed the GAD calendar of activities based on the approved
GAD Plan and Budget for FY 2020. It has been very tough to the RGADFPS, to accom-
plish the targets under GAD because of the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of
community quarantines and/or lockdown that minimized the movement of the citizens
including the government offices.

On the 3rd Quaterly RGADFPS Meeting, Atty. Jerefe B. Tubigon-Bacang was 3
invited by the RGADFPS as a Resource Speaker to discussed the impact of COVID-19
pandemic to women. Based on the UN Women Situationer, this pandemic has presented
the people new circumstances, new challenges and new uncertainties and the impact of
COVID-19 to women are the following, to wit:

a. Women play a disproportionate role in disease response;

-Women working as Community Health Workers; and

- Majority of health personnel are women that are high risk, highly stigmatized
and underpaid

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

b. Women is hit harder by an economic fallout;
-Female OFWs return stigmatized and feared as carriers of disease;
-Those in paid labor, lost their jobs; and
-Women work in informal labor, lockdowns prevent them from meeting their
families’ basic needs

c. During crises, gender-based violence increases; and
-Economic instability: contribute to household tensions and trigger abusive be-
havior
-Restricted movements, absence of public transportation: victim-survivors are
constrained from seeking help; and
-Limited access to necessary care and support services: clinical management of
rape and mental health issues, medico-legal services, and counseling

d. When health services are overstretched, services for women and girls suffer
-Limited access to prenatal, delivery services;
-Lesser access to health services;
-Cannot access HIV and AIDS services; and
-Difficulty accessing contraceptives

The Regional Director of CHR, Atty. Jerefe D. Tubigon-Bacang as the Resource 4
Speaker during the GAD 3rd Quarter Meeting on October 28, 2020 thru Zoom Meeting

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Furthermore, Atty. Bacang also shared desperate and suicidal stories based on
the study of UN Population Fund of the Philippines conducted last June 2020 from dif-
ferent women who suffered from the pandemic especially those women that were hit
harder by economic fallout. Atty. Bacang emphasized that during this pandemic wom-
en’s resilience and coping mechanism exists:

a. Superior skills: more creative, IT-savvy, strong discipline, leadership skills,
adept at paperwork, can haggle/negotiate;

b. More relational: more known to LGU;

c. Less embarrasses to borrow money; and,

d. Women can pass by security checkpoints easily.

Thus, adaptability is imperative in order to grow and succeed in this pandemic.
Adaptability means accepting change and seeing the opportunities that it can bring,
having flexibility to revised plans as needed.

Further, during the 3rd Quarter Meeting, For. Antonieta A. Jurado was awarded
with the Certificate of Appreciation for her unwavering Commitment as a Focal Per-
son and member of the GADFPS of DENR Caraga from 1995-Present.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 5

II. COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS (CEPA)

In compliance with Executive Order No. 273, directing all national government
offices and instrumentalities and local government units to take appropriate steps to en-
sure full implementation of the policies, strategies, programs and projects outlines in the
Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development, and in consonance with Joint
Memorandum Circular No. 2013-01 approving the implementing Rules and Regulations
on the Localization of the Magna of Women, the Communication, Education and Public
Awareness (CEPA) Committee of the Regional Gender and Development Focal Point
System (RGADFPS), PENROs and CENROs accomplished the following activities:

a. Updating and Maintenance of GAD Corner thru Reproduction of GAD-related
IEC Materials

GAD Corner of DENR Regional Office and PENRO Agusan del Norte

For the Regional Office, CEPA Committee maintained and posted messages in the
GAD Corner with the following messages for information and awareness of the public
and the DENR personnel, to wit:

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 6

 Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (M.O.V.E)

 The Philippine National Women’s Month CY 2020

 News Articles re: Sexual Harassment Has No Place During Ecq, Punishable
Under Safe Spaces Act And Other Existing Laws

 Gender and Development Facts

 COVID-19 and violence against women: What the health sector/system can
do (World Health Organization)

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 7

PENROs and CENROs of the Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur,
Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur also posted GAD-related IEC
materials to their respective Bulletin Board and disseminated such materials to their per-
sonnel.

III. WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION

The National Women’s Month Celebration every March is part of the worldwide
observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD). The following issuances serve as
legal bases for the annual activity:

 Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 8

Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace
Day;

 Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of
March as Women’s Role in History Month; and,

 Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring March 8 of every year as Nation-
al Women’s Day.

In 2017, the PCW Board Members and Inter-Agency Technical Working Group
identified the NWMC theme “We Make Change Work for Women”, which shall be
used from 2017-2022. It highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to
and claimholders of development. This pursuit of development is also anchored on the
commitment of “Malasakit at Pagbabago” or True Compassion and Real Change.

The annual conduct of the National Women’s Month Celebration aims to give
recognition to the contributions of Filipino Women in our society. This also aims to
inform and engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services to

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 9

promote citizen-centric governance and make change a conscious effort to know,
understand, and provide what all citizens need; to create platforms to discuss practices
and commitments in pursuing gender and development; and, to inspire and empower
women to be agents of change to contribute in promoting gender equality and empower-
ment of all women.

For the whole March 2020, the agency endeavoured to unleash the knowledge and
capability of women in climate and disaster resiliency, and recognized the important
contributions of women as decision-makers, caretakers, stakeholders, experts and educa-
tors in the environment, climate change, and disaster risk reduction sectors. The follow-
ing were the activities conducted by the DENR– Caraga Regional Office and Field Of-
fices, to wit:

A. Hanging of 2020 National Women's Month Advocacy Streamer

The hanging of advocacy streamer to
support the CY 2020 National Women's
Month Celebration Kick-off Activity with the
theme: "WOMEN can make CHANGE in Cli-
mate and Disaster Resiliency" aimed to pro-
mote, inform and engage women as stakehold-
ers of government programs and services. Said
hanging of streamer was held at the DENR
Caraga Regional Learning Center, Brgy. Am-
bago, Butuan City and DENR Field Offices.

Same banner was installed at CENRO Bunawan and Bayugan office façade. 10

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Hanging streamers/tarpaulin outside the perimeter fence of this office with the presence of DMO-III/
Acting, DMO Lemuel S. Lagat of CENRO Talacogon (left) and CENRO Bunawan had their photo on the

Women’s Month Celebration (right).

On March 2, 2020, hanging of streamer in front of the CENR Office-Cantilan (left) and The official
streamer in celebration of the CY 2020 National Women’s Month of PENRO PDI (right).

Hanging of Women’s Month Tarpaulin by DENR personnel of 11
PENRO Agusan del Norte.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

B. 2020 National Women’s Month Kick-Off Activity

DENR Caraga, headed by the Re-
gional Gender and Development
(GAD) Focal Point System – Ms.
Racelyn Argosino, joined the nation in
celebrating the Philippine National
Women's Month 2020 Kick-off Activi-
ty through an ‗Advocacy Walk‘ from
the Provincial Capitol of Agusan del
Norte to Guingo na Park, Butuan City
on March 2, 2020.

NGAs and representatives from
the private sector, academe, and other
stakeholders took active involvement
during the advocacy walk and con-
vened at Guingona Park, Butuan City
for this year‘s Women‘s Month cele-
bration kick-off activity.

CHR-Caraga Regional Director
and Regional Gender and Development
Committee (RGADC) Chairperson –
Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, high-
lighted that said celebration is for eve-
ryone and not only for women, and that
gender equality and mainstreaming
should be observed and practiced eve-
rywhere.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 12

The PENRO Agusan del Sur staff and personnel during the fun “walk/run “activity.

PENRO Agusan del Norte with Regional Office participants joins the fun-walk activity started at Capitol grounds
going to Guingona Park, Butuan City as part of the Kick-off activity in celebration of Women’s Month 2020 on March

2, 2020 (left) and Gender and Development advocates of CENRO-Tubay posed before the streamer
was hang on March 2, 2020 (right).

CENRO Bunawan conducted a general clean-up activity within the Office premises (left) and During the
CEPA activity at Mindanao Christian Academy (MCA) of Pangangan, La Paz, Agusan del Sur (right).

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 13

C. Distribution of Eco-Bags

Fifty (50) pcs. ecobags bearing this year’s theme were distributed to all women
of CENRO Bayugan City, also this is in support the “No to Plastic” campaign of our
government.

D. Pinning of the Symbolic Purple Ribbons

The wearing and pinning of purple ribbons for the whole month of March 2020
embarked during a Monday convocation last March 2, 2020. This activity was initiat-
ed and/or organized to support the 2020 National Women's Month with the theme:
"WOMEN can make CHANGE in Climate and Disaster Resiliency."

E. The Purple Corner

DENR Caraga initiated 'The Purple Corner' in line with the Philippine National
Women's Month Celebration CY 2020 and the International Women's Day on March
8, 2020 to promote awareness on women empowerment and rights in the workplace
last March 6, 2020 at the DENR Caraga Regional Office, Brgy. Ambago, Butuan City.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 14

10 Valentine’s Day Celebration on February 14, 2020 On February 14, 2020, made the
day more special to all personnel especially women because GAD Focal Point System
Vice Chairperson Alicia D. German initiated a simple yet memorable celebration by
giving flowers and created photo booth to remind everyone that they are special and
how relationship is important in the office. Also, March 8 is considered as International
Women‘s Day, a day dedicated to all women around the globe and an opportunity to
remind everyone why women‘s rights are important on every day of the year.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 15

The Purple Corner freedom wall encourages the DENR personnel, both men and
women, to share their thoughts, statements and advocacies on women empowerment
and the role of women in climate and disaster resiliency.

F. Attendance to the CY 2020 Women Summit

In celebration of the International
Women‘s Month CY 2020, DENR Caraga
personnel attended the ‗2020 Women Sum-
mit‘ organized by the Regional Develop-
ment Council-Regional Gender and Devel-
opment Committee (RDC-RGADC) to
highlight the rights and privileges of wom-
en through learning sessions on March 9,
2020 at Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City.

Group photo of DENR Agusan del Norte (PENRO, CENROs Nasipit & Tubay) headed by GADFPS
Chair, Teresita E. Bacomo , and Regional Office selected personnel headed by Regional GADFPS

Chair, Racelyn Argosino takes pose with the RDC-GADCC officials.

Said activity was participated by the National Government Agencies and Local
Government Units (LGUs) in the region. Furthermore, to celebrate the great contribu-
tions of women, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga gave recognition
to five (5) successful women entrepreneurs from the different provinces of Caraga Re-

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 16

gion. Upon giving her inspirational message, Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-
Caraga Regional Director and Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC)
Chairperson – Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, accentuated that in achieving gender equal-
ity, it doesn‘t mean that women turn to be the same as men; equality signifies that one‘s
rights or opportunities should not depend on being male or female. Further, Atty. Tubig-
onBacang, also added that both men and women must have collaborative action to help
the climate crisis we are currently experiencing worldwide.

2020 Successful Women Entrepreneurs in Caraga with RDC-GADCC officials (left); and, Atty. Jerefe
Tubigon-Bacang gave her inspirational message to everyone.

E. Skills Training - Basic Self-defense

DENR – PENRO Surigao del Norte The DENR - RGADFPS, in coordination
personnel during the training with Technical Education and Skills Devel-
opment Authority (TESDA) and Philippine
National Police (PNP), conducted a Basic
Self-defense Training aimed to capacitate
the DENR personnel, both men and women,
to foster a gender-responsive environment,
and acquire basic self-defense techniques
and situational awareness skills.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 17

CENRO Tubay personnel with the trainers during the self-defense training in
Butuan City.

Aikido—a purely defensive martial art was introduced to DENR Agusan del Norte personnel
and thought three basic techniques: (Ikkyo or the arm pinning, Shihiho nage and Yokpmen-

uchi or the strike to the side of the head).

PENRO Surigao del Norte & CENRO Tubod personnel were trained self-defense techniques. 18

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

F. Kalandrakas sa DENR

On March 09, 2020, the CEPA Committee headed by Ms. Roxanne Ladaga and
Forester Rafaela Deles facilitated an activity in titled ―Kalandrakas sa DENR‖ The said
activity involves Advocacy Walk (from PENRO office to Don Ruben to Sta. Cruz, San
Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands) before PENRO PDI‘s flag raising ceremony. It was
graced with the presence of the invited marshalls from Dinagat Islands Provincial Mo-
bile Force Platoon (DIPMFP). Following the said flag raising, pinning of purple hearts
to the attendees was done headed by Ms. Rean Diamond Manliguiz and Mr. Ruben Tac-
ay, and at the same time zumba session started with Mr. Ruben Jun Bautizare (OJT) as
the zumba leader. Thereafter, continuation of health and wellness monitoring (blood
sugar count), garage sale, and food vending started and lasted until 5:00 o‘clock in the
afternoon. And on the other hand, an open film showing activity was done at the DENR-
PENRO PDI Training Center at 1:00 o‘clock in the afternoon.

Photo Opportunity of the employees with the marshalls from Dinagat Islands Provincial Mobile Force
Platoon (DIPMFP)

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 19

G. OTHER ACTIVITIES (HEALTH & WELLNESS ACTIVITIES)

Medical Check-up and zumba activities conducted by PENROs Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands and
CENRO Tubay.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 20

IV. GAD-RELATED TRAININGS/SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

A. Gender Sensitivity Training (GST)

The Regional Gender and
Development Focal Point System
(RGADFPS) conducted a Gender
Sensitivity Training (GST) on
November 23, 2020. The training
was attended by RGADFPS com-
mittee members, PENROs and
CENROs GAD Focal Persons
and DENR Caraga and Commu-
nity Multi-Purpose Cooperative
(DCCOMPCO).

For. Antonieta A. Jurado,
the Regional GAD Focal Point
System Chairperson, graced the
activity and gave a message re-
garding the commitment of the
agency on the full implementa- A virtual pose from the participants and resource persons of

the GST.

tion and mainstreaming of Gen-
der and Development to the agency’s programs/projects/activities (PAPs). She also wel-
comed all the participants from the DCCOMPCO and expressed her gratitude on the ac-
tive participation and commitment of the GAD Focal Person from the Field Offices. The
DENR Caraga also invited the Certified Technical Advisers on GAD (CTAG) from
Commission on Human Rights- Caraga Region. The certified CTAGs are Mr. Oliver
Salino, Mr. Edson Alijo and Ms. Joyce Ann Adlawan. They presented the following:

Session 1: Why do we advocate GAD?

Session 2: Basic Gender and Development Concepts

Session 3: Magna Carta of Women

Mr. Oliver Salino presented the topic on Session 1: Why do we Advocate GAD?.
Mr. Salino discussed and explained why there is a need to advocate for Gender and De-

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 21

velopment; enumerated different legal instruments for the promotion of GAD; and,
identified the historical events that led to the concept of GAD. Based on the discussion,
Gender and Development is a compliance, commitment and obligation of our country.
The government should have a GAD Program to which at least 5% of an agency’s total
budget should be allotted. Our country is also committed internationally thru Conven-
tion on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) oth-
erwise known as the International Bill of Rights of Women as of February 2015, and it
has 188 State Parties that agreed to implement the provisions of the treaty. The Conven-
tion provides the basis for realizing equality between women and men through ensuring
women's equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public life - including
the right to vote and to stand for election, as well as education, health and employment.
States parties agree to take all appropriate measures, including legislation and temporary
special measures, so that women can enjoy all their human rights and fundamental free-
doms.

Mr. Oliver Salino discussed the topics for Session I (upper left); Mr. Edson Alijo discussed the topics 22
for Session II (upper right); and, Ms. Joyce Ann Adlawan discussed the topics for Session III (lower).

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

On the other hand, Mr. Edson Alijo discussed the basic gender and development
concepts. The session aimed to understand Sex and Gender as fundamental concepts of
Gender and Development; internalize that the common misconceptions about sex and
gender leads to biases; and, articulate common misconceptions about the concepts intro-
duced.

Further, Ms. Joyce Ann Adlawan presented the Magna Carta of Women. Republic
Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) is a comprehensive women’s human
rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protect-
ing, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the mar-
ginalized sector.

All rights in the Philippine Constitution and those rights recognized under interna-
tional instruments duly signed and ratified by the Philippines, in consonance with Phil-
ippine laws shall be rights of women under the Magna Carta of Women. These rights
shall be enjoyed without discrimination since the law prohibits discrimination against
women, whether done by public and private entities or individuals. Those who belongs
to the basic, disadvantaged, or vulnerable groups are in marginalized sector. Those are
farmers, rural workers, fisherfolk, urban poor, workers in the formal and informal econ-
omy, migrant workers, indigenous people, moro, children, senior citizen, PWD and solo
parent.

In the MCW Chapter IV, rights and empowerment of women are being enumerated
and discussed, to wit;

Sec. 9. Protection from Violence.

Sec. 10. Women Affected by Disasters, Calamities, and Other Crisis Situations

Sec. 11. Participation and Representation.

Sec. 12. Equal Treatment Before the Law.

Sec. 13. Equal Access and Elimination of Discrimination in Education, Scholar-
ships, and Training.

Sec. 14. Women in Sports

Sec. 15. Women in the Military

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 23

Sec. 16. Nondiscriminatory and Nonderogatory Portrayal of Women
in Media and Film.

Sec. 17. Women’s Right to Health.

Sec. 18. Special Leave Benefits for Women.

Sec. 19. Equal Rights in All Matters Relating to Marriage and Family Relations.

The Philippine Government is the responsible in the implementation of MCW
through the development and implementation of laws, policies, regulatory instruments,
administrative guidelines, and other appropriate measures, including temporary spe-
cial measures. Adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy for implementing the law
and attaining its objectives. It also mandates (a) planning, budgeting, monitoring and
evaluation for gender and development, (b) the creation and/or strengthening of gender
and development focal points, and (c) the generation and maintenance of gender statis-
tics and sex-disaggregated databases to aid in planning, programming and policy formu-
lation.

B. Attendance to the Workshop on the Establishment of Success Indicators for Gen-
der and Development

The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial LGU of
Dinagat Islands organized a workshop on the Establishment of Success Indicators for
Gender and Development conducted on September 9-15, 2020. PLO II Mary Grace F.
Unabia, Chairperson of the Plans & Programs Committee, PGADFPS had attended the
said workshop.

PLO II Mary Grace F. Unabia, Chairperson of the Plans & Programs Committee, PENRO GADFPS 24
attended “Workshop on the Establishment of Success Indicators for Gender and Development”.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

V. GAD LEARNING AND DROP-IN CENTER STRENGTHENING
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many problems and uncertainties to every

DENR personnel that have a toddlers or small children, which are most vulnerable in the
spread of the virus. Though the limitation of the movement of the agency due to the im-
posed community quarantines, still the center provided support to the employees of
DENR amidst the pandemic. For this year, the DENR GAD Learning and Drop-in Cen-
ter hired two (2) teachers namely: Mylene M. Acero and Divine Grace Doroteo. Here
are the activities undertaken of the said center, to wit:

A. Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio

The DENR GAD Learning and Drop-in Center joined the Department of Health
(DOH)’s campaign “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio” with the collaboration of the Baran-
gay Health Center of Ambago last February 21, 2020. The activity was conducted to
successfully end the polio outbreak in the country. This activity also aimed and ensure
that “no child missed” the vaccine.

According to the DOH Assistant Secretary, Maria Rosario Vergeire, this cam-
paign, the vaccination, is the best way to protect the children of the country against po-
lio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and tuberculosis, among others. Thus, the
DENR Caraga is grateful to the DOH and Barangay Ambago for including the DENR
daycare center for this kind of activity.

The pupils of DENR GAD Learning and Drop-in Center during the conduct of Sabayang Patak Kontra
Polio Campaign.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 25

B. 21st Moving Up Ceremony

On March 27, 2020, the DENR GAD
Learning and Drop-In Center was suppos-
edly conducting the 21st Moving Up Cere-
mony, however due to the COVID-19 pan-
demic, all gatherings was cancelled.

Nonetheless, the center still prepared and
gave a Certificate of Recognition to all out-
going pre-schoolers that successfully com-
pleted the Pre-Kindergarten Program (Early
Childhood Care and Development) fro S.Y. 2019-2020 and are eligible to enter the Kin-
dergarten Program.

C. S.Y. 2020-2021
For School Year 2020-2021, the
ECCD Council recommends that the
opening of NCDC’s and CDCs/DSSs will
be on September 14, 2020 with the proper
guidelines and protocols.

The GAD Day-Care Center with the
supervision of the Butuan City Social
Welfare and Development, conducted the
Center and Home Based Learning Pro-
gram for the children ages 3-4 years old,
following the guidelines on the Early
Childhood Care and Development Coun-
cil (ECCD).

This learning program aimed to en-
courage the children to continue their
learning capability amidst the COVI-19
pandemic. This is the alternative delivery instead of the usual face-to-face sessions.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 26

For this School Year, a total of twenty-two (22) pupils were officially en-
rolled with the following breakdown:

 Nursery (ages 3 years old) - 9 pupils (2 boys and 7 girls)

 Kindergarten (ages 4 years old) - 13 pupils (4 boys and 9 girls)

Teachers Mylene Acero and Divine Grace Doroteo prepared the module of the enrolled pupils
for Kindergarten and Nursery.

Parents and DENR GAD Learning & Day-Care Center Teachers during the weekly distribution 27
of modules.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

D. Feeding Program
On November 20, 2020, the Butuan City Social welfare and Development distrib-
uted the first batch of release for the Supplementary Feeding Program headed by Josefa
E. Tan at Tandang Sora Covered Court, Butuan City. The release is scheduled every two
weeks on Friday.

Due to the pandemic, the children are not allowed to go outside and advised to
stay at home. The parents brought the food in a container to their respective homes and
submitted a photo documentation as proof that they fed it to their child. Also, as part of
the innovation of the center, the parents association created a group chat via messenger
for easy dissemination of reminders and announcements.

Thus, on November 23, 2020, the DENR GAD LC parents/guardians started the 28
feeding program and prepared the food for the children. Here’s the list of the schedule
and assignments, to wit:

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

 Every Monday Assignment

1. Crista Jane Baltazar

2. Cherry Ann Lubid

3. Monaliza Pelayo

4. Nestle May Braza
5. Marie Anne Burias
Every Wednesday Assignment
1. Gerlie Miso Calixtro
2. Redemtor Oja
3. Genalyn Tajonera
4. Liza Jumamoy
5. Mary Hope Pulido
 Every Friday Assignment
1. Janice Leopando
2. Dharalyn Ozon
3. Marlyn Bayotas
4. Jessica Silva
5. Jolina Serentas
6. Sweet Edna Peje

VI. OBSERVANCE OF ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN CAMPAIGN
DENR Caraga supported the CY 2020 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against

Women (VAW), following the National Mandate Proclamation No. 1172, series of
2006, declaring the November 25 to December 12 as the 18-day Campaign to End VAW
and Republic Act 10398 of 2003, declaring November 25 of every year as National
Consciousness Day Against VAW and Children. For six (6) years, the theme of the
campaign is still “VAW-free Community Starts with me” that gives emphasis that
everyone are involve to pursue the common vision of a community that is free from
violence against women and children.

Here the activities that were conducted by the region, to wit:

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 29

A. Hanging of the 18-day Campaign to End VAW Banner

The different offices of DENR Caraga hung an official campaign banner to END
VAW at the vicinity of the respective offices. This is to widely inform the DENR em-
ployees and clients that the agency is supporting the campaign against any violence to-
wards women and working to promote equality to all gender.

B. Color Ur Icon

The RDC-Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) en-
joined the member agencies to signify the support to the campaign to end VAW by
adorning the office’s landmarks or iconic spots with the color orange. The orange color
signifies the campaign against VAW.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 30

For the Regional Office, the landbank “I  DENR Caraga” at the entrance of the
DENR Caraga Regional Office, Brgy. Ambago, Butuan City was decorated by orange rib-
bons on November 25, 2020.

C. Campaign Kick-off Activity (Motorcade)

The RDC-Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) spear-
headed the conduct of motorcade on November 25, 2020 from Libertad Sports Complex
to Tiniwisan, Butuan City. PENRO Agusan del Norte, CENROs Nasipit and Tubay
joined the said motorcade. They wear the agency’s balck and orange agency’s 18-day
campaign shirts and brought the campaign banner and placards.

DENR Agusan del Norte GADFPS led by Chief, MSD Teresita E. Bacomo poses at the event assembly
area located at Butuan Sports Complex prior to the start of motorcade kick-off activity in observance of

18-Day Campaign to End VAW on November 25, 2020

D. MOVE/KATROPA Orientation

Violence Against Women (VAW) continues to be a major social and public
health issue affecting thousands of women not only in the Philippines but in the whole
world. It is associated with unequal power relations between men and women which are
greatly influenced by the patriarchal and masculine culture of society.

Most of the studies show that men are often the perpetrators/doers of VAW and
the role of men is recognized to be very crucial in its elimination. Hence, there is a need
to involve men in the movements to end violence against women as well as children by
focusing on their role and responsibilities, and emphasize that they are part of the
solution.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 31

To sustain and institutionalize as well as to systematize these efforts, the Philip-
pine Commission on Women (PCW) formally launched the “Men Opposed to Violence
Against Women (VAW) Everywhere or MOVE” during the commemoration of the 18-
Day Campaign to End VAW. The launching of MOVE on November 27, 2006 was one
of the highlights of the campaign where the males from different government agencies
and private sectors convened together during the said activity.

M.O.V.E. specifically seeks to:
a. speak out against VAW;
b. examine, propose and formulate total male involvement and actions in the
elimination of VAW;
c. form partnerships and linkages with similar groups working on VAW, locally
and internationally;
d. organize and conduct researches, studies and fora in recognition of the social
effects of VAW for policy and program development; and
e. establish resource network on VAW.

To attain MOVE's objectives, its main strategy is to organize and capacitate
more men from all over the Philippines, who do not only abhor VAW but who are will-
ing to pro-actively campaign and work towards its eradication.

E. Other Activities

On November 26, 2020, this Office had
conducted the following:

 At 9:30 AM, an orientation/ small talk
regarding the theories, concepts and
laws and policies that raises awareness
on VAW was conducted by Ms.
Rosalinda A. Ortiz, Anti-VAWC Focal
Person of PENRO Agusan del Sur.

 At 4:00 PM, Ms. Rosalinda A, Ortiz, appeared in a radio program at DXDA
Radio Agusan to air the highlights of this year’s celebration.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 32

On December 04, 2020, DENR-PENRO PDI produced and distributed t-shirts,
mugs, facemasks, and leaflets to the employees of the office. On the same day, 40 pieces
of leaflets and facemasks to Ms. Emma Lagrimas of San Jose Central Elem. , (SJCES)
which was distributed to her students thru their parents on December 11, 2020 during
her distribution of her student’s modules. Another 10 pcs. of facemasks with 10 pcs.
leaflets for SJCES colleagues were provided.

F. End-VAW Culmination

To culminate the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Region-
al RGADFPS mainstreamed the activity during the conduct of the RGADFPS Year-End
Assessment. The activity was attended by the RGADFPS Committee Members, PEN-
ROs and CENROs Focal Persons. The offices presented the accomplishments of GAD
activities for FY 2020. The activity ended with photo-documentation with the partici-
pants wearing the orange 18-day campaign advocacy facemask.

VII. GAD YEAR-END ASSESSMENT
On December 18, 2020, the RGADFPS conducted the GAD Year-end

Assessment. The assessment was attended by the RGADFPS committee members,
PENROs and CENROs GAD Focal Persons.

The activity was conducted to assess the accomplishments of the Region on GAD
organizational-focused, client-focused and mainstreamed activities. Likewise, the
attributed programs were assessed based on the Harmonized Gender and Development
Guidelines (HGDG) for project implementation, monitoring and evaluation. For Caraga

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 33

Region, 50% of the budget under the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP)
was attributed to GAD.

The OIC, Regional Executive Director, Hadja Didaw D. Piang-Brahim, CESO IV gave her warm and
inspirational welcome message to all the GAD Focal Persons (left) and a quick pose from the partici-

pants wearing the End VAW Campaign shirts.

The OIC, Regional Executive Director, Hadja Didaw D. Piang-Brahim, CESO IV
graced the activity and emphasized that our country is a signatory and committed inter-
nationally on Gender and Development (GAD) thru Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) otherwise known as the Inter-
national Bill of Rights of Women as of February 2015, and it has 188 State Parties that
agreed to implement the provisions of the treaty. The Convention provides the basis for
realizing equality between women and men through ensuring women's equal access to,
and equal opportunities in, political and public life - including the right to vote and to
stand for election, as well as education, health and employment. States parties agree to
take all appropriate measures, including legislation and temporary special measures, so
that women can enjoy all their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

She also challenged everyone to be gender sensitive in terms of writing
communication documents using gender fair language and promote gender equality in
the office and in the household of every DENR employee.

Further, the PENROs GAD Focal Person presented their respective accomplish-
ments for CY 2020 based on the approved GAD Plan and Budget and other GAD-
related activities conducted by the respective offices. All targets were accomplished
100% except for the establishment of economic opportunity among women in selected
People’s Organizations (POs) which was a client-focused activity which was offered
pursuant to DBM NBC 580.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 34

GAD Focal Persons and representatives presented the CY 2020 GAD Accomplishments of PENROs
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

For the GAD-mainstreamed activity on the Enhanced National Greening Program
(Comprehensive Site Development – Seedling Production, Are Development and Plan-
tation Maintenance and Protection), the GAD was integrated to MOA/LOAs and gener-
ated a sex-disaggregated data (SDD) for ENGP hired Forest Extension Officers (FEO)
and beneficiaries.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 35

VIII. SUPPORT TO THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL-
REGIONAL GAD COMMITTEE (RDC-RGADC) - CARAGA REGION

A. RGADC 13TH General Assembly Meeting

Josiely B. Agustin of
DENR Caraga attended the 13th
General Assembly Meeting
which was conducted last Febru-
ary 20, 2020 at NEDA 13 Con-
ference Room, J. Rosales Ave-
nue, Butuan City. The following
Agenda were discussed:

1. Committee on Elections Time c/o NEDA 13

The election for the Caraga Regional Gender and Development Commit-
tee Chairperson and Co-chairperson was handled by the NEDA. Atty. Jerefe d.
Tubigon-Bacang was again elected as the chairperson and Ms. Concepcion C.
Asis as co-chairperson.

2. Update on the Case of the Death of Ms. Fe. N. Gomez, GAD Focal Person of
TESDA

The authorities cannot divulge the result because the DNA results was not
yet delivered because DNA machine was damage. Maybe next month the police
will released its official report regarding the case.

3. Discussion on the Partnership Agreement with the Philippine Commission on
Women (PCW)

 Caraga 2nd GAD Focal Point Assembly

 Regional Orientation on the Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE)

 Leveling Session on GAD Gender Analysis and Use of GA Tools for
Provincial, Cities & Municipalities Local Government Units (P/C/
MLGUs) GFPS

 Leveling Session for RGADC Caraga Members, LGUs in the Region

4. Women’s Month Celebration

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 36

An advisory was issued dated Feb. 21, 2020 for the activities for the
Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “We Make Change for Women”

5. 2020 Annual Work and Financial Plan & Strategic Planning

For the Strategic planning it was agreed that the DILG will fund said activi-
ty. A separate meeting will be conducted specifically for this activity.

B. 14th RDC-RGADC General Assembly via Zoom

For. Celeste N. Paler of
DENR Caraga participated the
RDC-RGADC 14th General
Meeting via Zoom Teleconfer-
ence last May 21, 2020 while
in a ―work from home ar-
rangement. RDC-RGADC is
composed of sixty (60) mem-
bers Government Agencies,
GOCCs, and Private Organiza-
tion with programs on Gender and Development. Currently it is chaired by CHR Re-
gional Director Atty. Jerefe Tubigon– Bacang and Co-Chaired by Ms. Conception Asis
of People Power Volunteer for Reforms (PPVR), a Non-Government Organization.
Highlights of the meeting are the following: 1. RGADC-Caraga 2020 Activities Conti-
nuity Plan; 2. Strengthening Gender-Based Violence Referral System in the Region;
and, 3. Sharing on Situation and GBV Concerns during COVID-19 Crises.

C. 15th RDC-RGADC General Assembly Meeting thru Virtual Meeting

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 37

PMD Asst. Chief/ External Affairs & Relation Committee Chairperson Celeste N.
Paler attended the 15th RDC-RGADC General Assembly thru Virtual Meeting last Aug.
20, 2020. Important details that DENR can engage for the advancement of the GFPS in
terms of the Gender Mainstreaming efforts are the following:

Particular Events Schedules Remarks

2nd GFPS Assembly October 21-22, 2020 Maximum of 3 GFPS members
(Sponsored by RGADC (Virtual) per agency. However, we can
& PCW) utilize the 3 slots in one room
with bigger monitor in order all
GFPS members can participate.
May we also include one (1)

PENRO GFPS & one (1)
CENRO.

PCW Webinar Series via Sept.-November, 2020 Regional GFPS members are en-
Zoom courage to register thru PCW

online registration that are posted
on facebook. Since this is a first

come first serve basis and
limited slots only.

End VAW Campaign Novemebr 25-December RGADC Ant-VAWC Committee
Activity 12, 2020 to meet to discuss its lined-up

activities. Meanwhile, the GFPS
can also identify activities fitted

to this occasion.

VAW DESK Monitor- Extended until November, There will be a team from
ing 2020 RGADC-Anti VAW who will
monitor our VAW Desk in the
office. We might as well make
ready with our reports. VAW
Desk agreed, is lodged at the

Legal Division.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 38

IX. GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (GAD) LIVELIHOOD PROJECT
A. Expansion of New Mabuhay Seaweeds Farmers & Fisher folks Association

(NMSFFA) Production Facility
On September 22, 2020, Chairperson, GADFPS Rachel Y. Sapid, and some PEN-

RO PDI GADFPS members had monitored the progress of the project. Hereunder is the
photo documentation of the project.

Chairperson, GADFPS Rachel Y. Sapid and some PENRO PDI GADFPS member with New Mabuhay
Seaweeds Farmers & Fisher folks Association (NMSFFA) officers

B. Vegetable Garden of Berseba Women Association (BWA)
Berseba Women Association (BWA) as the recipient People’s Organization in
Brgy. Berseba, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur established a vegetable garden as their
advocacy for sustainable food.

Established vegetable garden to some members of PO-BWA 39

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

X. OTHER GAD-RELATED ACTIVITIES

A. National Meeting on Updating Meeting on Updating of GAD Strategic Plan for
CY 2021-2025, & Preparation of CY 2021 GAD Plan & Budget

In the interest of the service and pur-
suant to Section 36 of the Magna Carta of
Women per R.A. 9071 and Memorandum
Circular 2018-04 of the Philippine Com-
mission on Women, the conduct of a Na-
tional Meeting on updating of GAD Strate-
gic Plan for CY 2021-2025, and prepara-
tion of CY 2021 GAD Plan & Budget was
conducted last August 6, 2020, 1:00 PM
via Zoom.

The Meeting’s objective was to up- RGADFPS Chairperson, Antonieta A. Jurado at-
date current GAD Strategic Plan to include tended the national meeting on August 6, 2020.
recent emergent concerns such as climate
change, and health towards women-
focused investments on resilience for
transformation change. The Meeting was
also made to finalize GAD Plans and
Budgets for 2021 for respective DENR
Offices.

B. Webinar on Pursuing Climate-, Gender– and Health-Responsive Programs
on Environment & Natural Resources Management

The continuous mainstreaming of gender & development to the various sectors of
the Department highlighting climate change and its relation to the health sector; & rec-
ognizing the importance of considering the inter-relation of climate change and disaster
risk, gender and health to DENR Programs thus, the Chief PMD Antonieta A. Jurado
attended the Webinar Series on Pursuing Climate-, Gender– and Health-Responsive Pro-
grams on Environment & Natural Resources Management last August 12, 2020.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 40

The participants of the webinar series were DENR CO—Directors & GAD Focal
Persons, Bureaus & Attached Agencies (GAD Focal/Planning Officers), Regional Offic-
es comprised of RED, Climate Change Focal Persons, Planning Chiefs, RPAO, EMB/
MGB RDs and their GAD Focal Person, Climate Change Focal Persons, Planning
Chiefs & Environmental Education & Information Officers.

RGADFPS Chairperson, Antonieta A. Jurado attended the Webinar on Pursuing Climate-, Gender
– and Health-Responsive Programs on Environment & Natural Resources Management

According to reports, the 41
increasing frequency of disease
outbreaks such as the COVID-19
pandemic is linked to climate
change and biodiversity loss.
Changing weather patterns may
increase the geographical range
and seasonality of certainty vector
-borne diseases. Many of health
risks are likely to be affected by
on-going climate change show
differences in their impact on
women and men. Reducing gen-
der based vulnerabilities and
building adaptive capacity of

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020

women and men to the impacts of climate change is critical to reducing the adverse im-
pacts of climate change of human health.

It is then important that environment and natural resources management programs
keenly consider inter-relations of climate change and disaster risks, gender and health.
The webinar series was focused on: (a) Forestry; (b) Biodiversity; (c) Solid & Hazard-
ous Waste; (d) Water Resources; (e) Air Quality; (f) Land Management; and (g) Mineral
Resources.

C. Monitoring of GAD-related Activities

The GADFPS of CENRO Tubay conducted project monitoring to Peoples Organi-
zation beneficiaries under the Enhanced National Greening Program for CY 2020.

On September 15, 2020, the GADFPS team arrived at CENRO Tubay, Agusan
Del Norte for a courtesy call with DMO IV Luis Gonzaga. Subsequently, with Tubay
Planning Officer Designate Angel Constantino and NGP Extension Officer Jepper John
Goyo, the team proceeded to the said Rattan Plantation CY 2018 NGP Site.

MAMIPO stands for Mamanwa-Manobo Indigenous Organization is a SEC-
registered organization, which started its partnership with DENR through the National
Greening Program in 2016. Their CY 2018 162-hectare rattan plantation was the only

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 42

rattan commodity among the Congressional insertion target implemented across the re-
gion.

The 162-hectare is now on its 3rd Year of the Maintenance and Protection (M&P)
program for this year with a sum of 81,000 rattan seedlings planted with 4x5 meter spac-
ing. The undersigned had observed a remarkable survival rate of planted rattan, based on
the latest CSD it has an 87% survival rate or 69,660 total seedlings survived.

The GADFPS team together PMD Staff with PO Chairman Heracleo Asares (third from right) during
site monitoring.

D. Webinar on Mental Health Psychosocial Support in Time of Pandemic

The Webinar on Mental Health
Psychosocial Support in Time of
Pandemic, spearheaded by the
DENR Caraga Regional Office,
was conducted last November 27,
2020 via Zoom and attended by se-
lected PENRO SDN personnel. The
resource person was Dr. Maria Olivia
D. Bating, EdD, MD, RGC, FPSVI.

DENR CARAGA GAD ANNUAL REPORT 2020 43