Real takes bold step with new GAD Code for gender equality

By Rowena Cruz Sedfrey Potestades, Head of the Provincial Gender and Development Office, along with other key stakeholders, spearheaded the ...

By Rowena Cruz

Sedfrey Potestades, Head of the Provincial Gender and Development Office, along with other key stakeholders, spearheaded the development of the recent GAD Code training to promote gender equality and inclusivity in Real, Quezon. (LGU Real)

REAL, Quezon - Town planners in here are working to ensure the needs of all genders are met within the community. This commitment is evident in the municipality's recently developed Gender and Development (GAD) Code for 2025, formulated during a training orientation led by the Municipal Gender Focal Point System (MGFPS) and GAD Specialist Filomena Portales.

The GAD Code demonstrates the municipality's dedication to fostering an inclusive society. It consolidates existing gender-related ordinances and aligns with both national and international frameworks, providing a robust roadmap for local government units (LGUs) to craft effective policies and programs that address gender issues head-on.



The recent training orientation proved to be a catalyst for progress, serving as a platform to craft an inclusive GAD Code that champions gender equality by directly addressing disparities, uncover solutions to gender-based challenges by raising awareness and sparking dialogue, and empower local governance through the acquisition of tools and knowledge needed to plan and execute gender-responsive programs.

Sedfrey Potestades, Head of the Provincial Gender and Development Office, led the training, lending his expertise on GAD Code enhancement, emphasizing its key elements and the formulation process for LGUs. "This training served as a crucial step in translating the GAD Code's principles into action," Potestades explained.

"By equipping local officials and community leaders with the knowledge and skills to implement gender-responsive initiatives, we lay the groundwork for sustainable and meaningful change." He further emphasized the importance of the training by stating, "This is not just about compliance; it's about fostering a genuine understanding of gender equality and empowering individuals to become agents of change within their communities."

Demonstrating unwavering support, Mayor Bing Diestro-Aquino actively participated in the training alongside the MGFPS Chairperson, Sanggunian Members, and a diverse Technical Working Group (TWG) representing various sectors of the community. "This collaborative spirit," Mayor Diestro-Aquino remarked, "is vital to ensuring that our governance is truly inclusive and that the voices of all our citizens are not only heard but genuinely valued."

Mayor Diestro-Aquino also added, "The GAD Code is not merely a document; it's a living testament to our commitment to creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive. This training has empowered us to turn that commitment into a reality."

This inclusive approach signals a promising future for Real, Quezon, where the GAD Code is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of its residents. By fostering a community where the rights and needs of all genders are respected and upheld, Real serves as an inspiring model for other municipalities to follow.