The promotion, adherence, and inclusion of gender equality in DA-Caraga’s programs have paved the way for the agency to be cited as one of the Gender Responsive Government Agencies  (GRCA) in an awards conferment ceremony held on August 15, 2022 in Butuan City.

The awarding was in line with the 13th anniversary of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW).

Sponsored by the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional GAD Committee (RGADC), the 2021 Search for Caraga’s GRCA aims to promote gender equality, seeks to address discriminatory policies and services, socialization processes, and norms that negatively defined gender roles and practices in an agency. 

Another award was also given to DA-Caraga dubbed as “Partner Agency Award” for being able to promote and mainstream gender equality in partnership with various agencies, RDC and RGADC.

Rebecca Reyes Atega, Regional Technical Director for Operations said that DA-Caraga has been supporting efforts to adopt and shape more gender relations, opportunities, and social progress, and ensure women and men equitable access to resources and services of the agency..

Furthermore, Ms. Ailyn Luyong Capadocia of DA-Caraga also received the GAD Focal Person Award.

“Mainstreaming gender equality can be fulfilled through sound policies, people participation, enabling mechanism, and Programs, Activities and Projects (PAP) in an agency,” Capadocia said. 

She said that in adherence to RA 9710, DA-Caraga conducts various activities to promote and empower women through training, gender-related activities, advocacies, participation in outreach programs, and giving equal opportunities for men and women in agriculture.

The R.A.9710 or the Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling, and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the marginalized sectors. (AURELIUS PARIDO ARAIS/DA-CARAGA)