01/09/2026
31 August 2026 | 9th Batch of the Community-Based GAD Training on Responsive Economic Resilience and Poverty Alleviation for Barangays at Philippine Columbian Association
The Gender and Development (GAD) Unit of the Office of the City Administrator (OCAD) conducted the succeeding day of the 9th Batch of the Community-Based GAD Training on Responsive Economic Resilience and Poverty Alleviation for Barangays at the Philippine Columbian Association, Paco, Manila. The activity was attended by barangay officials from Barangays 635, 666, 700, 724, 798, 728, 810, 807, 774, and 779, who participated in discussions on gender-based violence, relevant policies, social services and livelihood opportunities.
Ms. Marlyn Pulga delivered a presentation on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), focusing on its different forms, underlying gender inequalities, risk factors and the importance of recognizing and responding appropriately to cases of violence within the community. Mr. Fort Austria and Mr. Raynald Lagmay of DILG-Manila discussed Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, while Atty. Patrisha Duyan of OCAD discussed Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-VAWC Act, highlighting the vital role of barangays as first responders in providing immediate assistance, protection and appropriate referrals to possible victims of violence against women.
Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Macalinao, RSW of Manila Department of Social Welfare, presented the programs and services available to communities through the agency. The discussions further enhanced the participants capacity to address gender-related concerns, promote economic resilience and advance gender equality in their respective communities.
Further demonstrating their support for the initiative, Hon. Raymundo “Mon” Yupangco, Hon. Bobby Espiritu II, and Hon. Yanyan Ibay delivered their respective messages of support. They underscored the importance of the GAD Training Seminar in equipping barangay officials and stakeholders with the knowledge, skills and awareness needed to recognize gender-based violence and respond to related concerns effectively. They also emphasized the significant role of barangay officials as frontline service providers in ensuring that individuals and vulnerable sectors affected by or at risk of gender-based violence, abuse and discrimination receive timely, appropriate,and gender-responsive assistance and support.
Through the continued collaboration of OCAD and its partner agencies and institutions, the training brings gender-responsive initiatives closer to the grassroots and contributes to building more inclusive, empowered, and gender-responsive communities in Manila.
