COTABATO CITY — To enhance the integration of Gender and Development (GAD) into the planning and budgeting of the BARMM Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), its GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) – Technical Working Group (TWG) attended the 2-day Orientation on GAD Planning and Budgeting on September 28-29.

Before dwelling on the application of GAD into the Ministry’s programs, projects, and activities (PPAs), Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) GAD Specialist Rohaniya M. Sumail reviewed with the participants the concepts related to GAD, including gender equity and women’s empowerment framework. Afterward, BWC Development Management Officer Lyndon Enriquez led the sessions on gender analysis and its tools. These were necessary to help the TWG get ready for the planning and budgeting workshop to follow.

Administrative and Finance Services Director Al-Sharif M. Tamburani reminded the body about the purpose of this activity, which is to identify and develop PPAs that can be attributed to GAD, and better allocate a minimum of five percent (5%) of the Ministry’s annual budget for the identified GAD-attributable PPAs.

This budget policy has been strengthened by the Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which further defined the policy for the recognition, protection, fulfillment, and promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those coming from marginalized sectors. It mandates all government instrumentalities to adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy for implementing the law.

“Gender and Development Planning and Budgeting is not merely a set of policies and practices,” as stressed by Chief Administrative Officer Rowaida D. Lalang. “When we incorporate gender perspectives into our budgets, we are taking a bold step towards justice and fairness. We are sending a powerful message that we are committed to dismantling the barriers that have held back marginalized groups for too long.”

More than just compliance with the law, the Ministry recognizes the fundamental equality before the law of women and men, as it will strive to further capacitate the GAD FPS-TWG, headed by Bai Ladja Fersis S. Musali, for a clear understanding and appreciation of gender and development—an ultimate pre-requisite for a successful GAD plan and budget. This shall help MENRE incorporate and reflect GAD concerns in its annual budget proposals and work and financial plans while staying with its environmental mandate.