Quezon pioneers gender-responsive governance in CALABARZON

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan leads Quezon Province's strides in inclusive governance, as the Provinci...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan leads Quezon Province's strides in inclusive governance, as the Provincial Gender and Development Office, headed by Sonia Salamat Leyson (right), proudly announces the province's achievement of being the first in CALABARZON to receive the Certificate of Review and Endorsement for its 2026 GAD Plan and Budget. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Quezon Province has officially become the first province in the entire CALABARZON region to receive the Certificate of Review and Endorsement for its 2026 Gender and Development (GAD) Plan and Budget. This significant recognition, directly from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office IV-A, highlights the province's unwavering commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance.

The announcement was a key part of the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office's report during the Flag Raising Ceremony held this Monday at the Quezon Provincial Capitol spearheaded by the PGAD Office under the leadership of Sonia Salamat Leyson, who also heads the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).



"This endorsement is a testament to the dedication of our provincial government and every Quezonian in ensuring that gender equality is not just a concept, but a lived reality," stated Sonia Salamat Leyson during her report. "It signifies our full compliance with the Magna Carta of Women, reflecting our commitment to protect women's rights and provide equal opportunities for all."

Leyson further emphasized the collaborative effort behind this success, stating, "This achievement is a collective effort, from the provincial leadership down to our communities, all working towards a more inclusive and equitable Quezon. We are proud to set a precedent for the entire CALABARZON region."
The PGAD Office proudly stated that this recognition proves Quezon's full compliance with the provisions of the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710). This national law champions the rights, protection, and equal opportunities for women, ensuring their active participation in nation-building and empowering them to live free from all forms of discrimination.

The Magna Carta of Women, enacted in 2009, mandates all government agencies, including local government units, to adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy, requiring at least 5% of their total budget to be allocated for GAD programs, projects, and activities. This proactive approach by Quezon Province demonstrates a deeper commitment beyond mere compliance, actively integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of provincial planning and service delivery.

It also serves as a testament to the Provincial Government's continuous focus on inclusive governance and gender sensitivity in its programs and services for all Quezonians, under the leadership of Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan. Under her "HEALING" agenda, which stands for Health, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood, Infrastructure, Environment, Tourism, and Governance, Governor Tan has prioritized initiatives that directly address the needs of diverse communities, including medical missions that reach remote areas and expanded social services.

Governor Tan, the first woman to hold the province's highest office, has consistently emphasized a "HEALING" agenda, which includes a strong focus on social services and empowering vulnerable sectors. Her administration has actively promoted programs that ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all residents, reflecting a deep commitment to not just gender equality but also the broader principles of inclusive development.

In a separate but equally significant recognition, Governor Tan was honored for her two years of dedicated service as the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) IV-A Chairperson. Under her leadership, Quezon Province has been commended for its effective measures in maintaining peace and order throughout the region.