USAID hosts orientation on Local Special Bodies in Batangas City

By Nimfa Estrellado CSOs who attended orientation on Local Special Bodies in Batangas City. (Photo from Batangas LGU) BATANGAS CITY - An...

By Nimfa Estrellado

CSOs who attended orientation on Local Special Bodies in Batangas City. (Photo from Batangas LGU)

BATANGAS CITY - An orientation was recently held in this city to provide local special bodies with the knowledge and skills needed to develop gender-responsive plans and proposals that address the needs of women and other marginalized groups.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) hosted the orientation on Local Special Bodies: Gender-Responsive Planning Process and Proposal Development at the Batangas City Sports Center on May 18, 2021.



It was attended by accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) in the city who are committed to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in their respective communities.

Participants were able to learn about the importance of gender mainstreaming in development planning and how it can lead to more inclusive and effective programs. They were also given practical tips on how to identify gender gaps and integrate gender perspectives into their proposals. Overall, the orientation was a valuable opportunity for local special bodies to enhance their capacity

DILG Director Ester Dator said some of the special bodies of the city government are the City Development Council (CDC), Peace & Order, Local School Board (LSB), and Health Board, where there is an opportunity to give the opinions, suggestions, and recommendations of CSOs who are its members.

This serves as a guide for the local government in formulating programs and projects to be implemented for the welfare of the majority of the community. The participation of CSOs in these boards also promotes transparency and accountability in decision-making processes, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the people are heard and addressed.

City Planning and Development Officer (CPDO) Gilda Godoy discussed the Planning Identification and Prioritization Process to determine the participation of each sector in the development of the city.

Councilor Nelson Chavez who is the current Chairman of the Committee on Accreditation of the Sangguniang Panglungsod also attended the mentioned occasion and expressed his support for the said process. He emphasized the importance of involving various sectors in the planning and development of the city to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed.