GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 10, 2022) – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office-Gender and Development (PSWDO-GAD) Unit conducted a women consultation activity on September 9 at the Horizon Suites.

This is to discuss various matters which were tackled during the Women’s Summit last August, which included the finalization and enhancement of issues and concerns pertaining to women’s welfare and rights.

The activity was participated in by 35 Municipal Women’s Council (MCW) officers and focal persons from all the towns in the province.

Marilyn Ballocanag, PSWDO-GAD focal person said, said "this is a follow-up activity of what we conducted last month during the women’s summit where several women presented their issues and concerns."

"Several recommendations and strategies in response to the presented concerns were also discussed," she added.

The activity, according to Ballocanag, is also one way of highlighting the participation of women in planning and decision-making in the province.

She disclosed that all the presented concerns will be considered and included in the planning and budgeting processes under the provincial GAD plan.

"Through this," Ballocanag said, "maa-uplift yung kanilang economic condition and their rights."

The participants also had a discussion regarding the accreditation and registration of the PWC in the province and in the Department of Labor and Employment.

"Importanteng ma-registser itong ating PWC para makilala tayo as one of the people’s organizations of the province and magiging beneficial ito sa mga kababaihan because they can easily acquire and access services in the province once they are registered or accredited," Ballocanag explained.

She also acknowledged the efforts and support of Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao in including women among the top priorities under his administration. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

? Sheila Mae Recamada & Joshua John Pantonial