OCM GFPS-TWG Strengthens Gender Mainstreaming, Reaffirms Level 3 GAD Milestone
COTABATO CITY (August 5, 2025) — The Gender and Development Focal Point System – Technical Working Group (GFPS-TWG) of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) continues to advance gender mainstreaming efforts after successfully conducting a three-day capacity-building training held from July 29 to 31 at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City.
The training emphasized the OCM’s reaffirmed Level 3 status in Gender Mainstreaming, based on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF). This level—known as the “GAD Application” stage—indicates that gender perspectives are actively integrated into OCM’s policies, programs, and services.
Facilitated by GAD experts from the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC-BARMM), the sessions included refresher courses on GAD concepts, gender statistics, sex-disaggregated data (SDD), and the 24-Hour Activity Profile. Participants also reviewed SDD in flagship programs and explored its use in evidence-based planning.
Raiza A. Abas, Chief Administrative Officer of OCOS-PD, led the discussion on updating Annual GAD Plans and Budgets (GPBs), stressing alignment with both regional and national development goals.
Esnain C. Mapait from the Office for Other Bangsamoro Communities (OOBC) was recognized as “Best Team Player” for his active contribution throughout the training.
The event wrapped up with actionable steps to strengthen gender mainstreaming—such as standardizing SDD collection tools, enhancing policy integration, and refining GAD planning documents.
With renewed energy and strategic direction, the OCM GFPS-TWG is now better prepared to lead inclusive governance and promote gender equality throughout the Bangsamoro region. (BMN/BangsamoroToday)
