MABALACAT CITY HAILED FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, GENDER EQUALITY EFFORTS

BY KEVIN GALANG

THE City of Mabalacat in Pampanga was recognized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)  for its outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the community.

The city was cited for its outstanding efforts in institutionalizing its Population, Gender, and Development (POPGAD) office that implement gender-responsive and population-focused policies, programs and mechanism that promotes inclusive development gender equality and women empowerment

Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo and city POPGAD head Charlo Costales received the National GADTIMPALA Marker during the Gender and Development Local Learning Hub  (GAD LLH) awarding ceremony held last week at the Sequoia Hotel, Manila Bay.

The three-day assembly and awarding rights on April 17-19, 2024 had a theme: “Empowering Local Government Units as Catalysts for Change towards Gender-Responsive Bagong Pilipinas.”

The PCW honored Mabalacat City for its remarkable achievements in advancing gender equality and empowering women within the community.

“I am incredibly proud of Mabalacat City’s recognition at the Gender and Development Local Learning Hub (LLH) Notable Program awarding ceremony. This award is a testament to our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. We will continue to create initiatives that support and uplift women in our community, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” Garbo said.

Among the outstanding programs and initiatives that showcase Mabalacat City’s commitment to gender equality are the WE LEAP program, Sentrong Aruga program, Drop-In Center for Women and Children, Psycho-Social Support Services, Knowledge Management Center, Tech Assistance Services, and the Paglaya program.

Mabalacat City has also championed initiatives such as Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling and Responsible Parenthood.