The DILG R5 with its GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Committee, under Regional Director (RD) Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., underwent its first GAD Seal Assessment On-Site Validation for FY 2022 with the presence and expertise of the National Assessment Committee (NAC), headed by Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance and Comptrollership, ASec Ester Aldana, accompanied by Region XII Regional Director Josephine Leysa, Program Manager Glenn Q. Miranda of the SLGP, Ms. Ara Mae Samia of the Planning Service, and Ms. Heidi Pilapil of the BLGD.

In its commitment to champion gender inclusivity and mainstreaming in the region, the DILG R5 engaged in a discussion with the NAC Committee and showcased the region’s remarkable GAD accomplishments through an audio-visual presentation (AVP) that perfectly aligned with the stringent criteria of the GAD Seal Certification Program.

Results of the 2022 GAD Seal Assessment On-Site Validation are yet to be released, but following the Regional Office’s GAD-related best practices and initiatives, Region XII Regional Director Josephine Leysa of the NAC underlined a pivotal point – that the GAD Seal Certification is not solely an achievement for the Department, but rather, it holds profound significance for every member of the DILG R5 team.