Rgadc-1

24/07/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Regional leaders from across the Ilocos Region gathered in San Juan, La Union on July 23 for the Executive Briefing on Gender-Responsive Leadership and Governance, culminating in a collective pledge to further strengthen gender mainstreaming and advance gender-responsive governance across Region I.

Organized by the Regional Gender and Development Committee I (RGADC I) in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the activity brought together heads and representatives of regional line agencies, GOCCs, SUCs, LGUs, and civil society organizations to deepen their understanding of gender-responsive governance and reaffirm their commitment to institutionalizing gender equality in the region.

PCW Chief GAD Specialist Kim Harold T. Peji opened the discussions by tracing the herstory of the Regional Gender and Development Committees (RGADCs), highlighting their evolution as regional GAD mechanisms and their mandates under PCW–NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2016-01. This was followed by a session on Gender-Responsive Leadership and Governance by DOST Ilocos Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, while PCW Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar concluded the program with a session on Gender Mainstreaming for Transformation, encouraging agencies to move beyond policy compliance toward measurable and transformative gender equality outcomes.

The continued commitment of RGADCs, such as Region I, plays a vital role in advancing the localization of the Magna Carta of Women through PCW's Local GAD Resource Program, ensuring that gender-responsive governance translates into meaningful outcomes for women and communities.

RGADC I is currently chaired by the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region under the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog. The activity was also attended by Ms. Ruby Elaine R. Cubangbang, RGADC I Co-Chair and Regional Development Council I Private Sector Representative for the Basic Sector, together with members of the RGADC I Secretariat led by Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Regional Office I Regional Director Ms. Stephanie F. Christiansen, represented by OIC-Assistant Regional Director Ednore Freynon N. Perez.

24/07/2026

𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙤𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚

Watch the highlights from the first-ever 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝑬𝒙𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓-𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 led by RGADC-I and DOST Ilocos Region in partnership with PCW and DepDev-RO1.

This milestone initiative builds a strong foundation for transformative regional governance. Thank you for joining us in taking the first step toward advancing gender-responsive leadership and purposeful governance.

Together, let us continue working toward a more inclusive and gender-fair Ilocos Region. 💜✨

24/07/2026

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪:

The Regional Gender and Development Committee–Region I (RGADC-I), led by Chairperson and DOST Ilocos Region Director Teresita A. Tabaog, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Region I (DepDev-R1), and the Regional Development Council–Region I (RDC-I), officially opens the Region I Executive Briefing on Gender-Responsive Leadership and Governance today, July 23, 2026, at the Puerto de San Juan Beach Resort Hotel in San Juan, La Union.

This event marks a major milestone as the first-ever regional initiative bringing together leaders and representatives from Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), Attached Agencies, Bureaus, and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), State Universities and Colleges, Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of Local Government Units, and development partners across Region I for a unified dialogue on gender-responsive governance.

The briefing aims to reinforce institutional commitment to mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) across policies, plans, programs, projects, activities, and budgets. It also focuses on strengthening Gender and Development Focal Point Systems through strategic leadership, institutional support, and proper resource allocation.

Featured alongside the day's discussions are various products from DOST SETUP-assisted MSMEs across the Ilocos Region, showcasing local innovation and enterprise development.

Gathering 96 participants (54 female, 42 male)—including key leaders and representatives from across the region—this initiative serves as a strong foundation for long-term inter-agency collaboration, ensuring that gender equality remains central to public service, policymaking, and inclusive regional development.

23/06/2026

𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐃𝐂-𝟏 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
By: Rio Dyan B. Adviento

Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive development, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) actively led the 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting of the Regional Gender and Development Committee – Region I (RGADC-1) for Calendar Year 2026, held on June 4, 2026, at Ynad’s Place Resort and Hotel, City of San Fernando, La Union.

Spearheaded through the leadership of RGADC-1 Chairperson and DOST Ilocos Region Director Teresita A. Tabaog, the meeting gathered GAD focal persons and partner agencies across the region to strengthen coordination and advance ongoing gender mainstreaming initiatives in Region I. Hosted by the Department of Tourism Region I (DOT Region I), the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen gender mainstreaming across the region. In her welcome remarks, DOT Regional Office I Assistant Regional Director Evangeline Dadat emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, and inclusive development.

RGADC-1 Chairperson Tabaog led the discussions on the status of agreements from the committee's previous meeting. Key updates included the completion of the membership database validation, the reactivation of technical working groups (TWGs) tasked with finalizing the Regional GAD Communication Plan, strengthening the Region I GAD Resource Pool (R1GRP), and establishing the Region I GAD Incentive Awards.

The committee also underscored the urgency of aligning regional initiatives with the National End Violence Against Women (End VAW) Roadmap and encouraged member agencies to review and integrate its provisions into their respective programs and plans.

A major agenda item was the presentation by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on the proposed Executive Briefing for agency heads, local chief executives, and regional directors. Scheduled for July 2026, the briefing aims to enhance leadership commitment to gender mainstreaming and strengthen understanding of GAD policies and frameworks among decision-makers in Region I. The meeting further discussed ongoing initiatives on gender-responsive evacuation centers, monitoring of GAD compliance among higher education institutions, strengthening sex-disaggregated data systems, and integrating peace and security programs into gender and development efforts.

As the committee moves forward, members reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of gender-responsive policies, programs, and projects and ensuring stronger institutional support for gender equality and women's empowerment throughout Region I.

Through sustained collaboration among member agencies, RGADC-1 continue to strengthen its unified mission to advance inclusive development across the Ilocos Region, moving forward with stronger commitment toward implementing gender-responsive programs and projects that promote equality, empowerment, and social development for all.

30/04/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬: 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬
By: Rio Dyan B. Adviento

Women have long shaped their communities with wisdom, strength, and compassion, and in the Ilocos Region, this role was highlighted during the Regional Women’s Leadership Convention, the culmination of the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration led by Regional Gender and Development Committee Region I (RGADC-1) through the leadership of Chairperson and DOST Ilocos Region Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog. Held at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 1 in the City of San Fernando, La Union, the gathering emphasized women’s vital role in leadership, governance, and nation-building.

The Convention brought together women leaders, Gender and Development (GAD) advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Ilocos Region to underscore the vital role of women in leadership, governance, and nation-building. Anchored on the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” the activity highlighted the enduring relevance of indigenous leadership principles in advancing gender equality and inclusive development.

In her message, Director Tabaog, emphasized that the gathering served as a unifying platform for stakeholders to collectively pursue a shared vision of empowering women and strengthening gender-responsive initiatives across the region. She underscored the importance of solidarity and collaboration in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Anchored on the four pillars of the Babaylan leadership framework - Wisdom (Kaalaman), Compassion (Malasakit), Courage (Tapang), and Collective Responsibility, the Convention delivered a compelling series of discussions that celebrated and elevated women’s transformative roles across sectors through a holistic and culturally grounded perspective.

Discussions under the Wisdom (Kaalaman) pillar underscored the importance of recognizing and reclaiming women’s historical and cultural roles in society. Ms. Karen Dagnalan-Dy, Supervising GAD Specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), encouraged participants to revive the Babaylan spirit as a source of strength in challenging gender norms and advancing advocacy.

The Compassion (Malasakit) pillar highlighted women’s vital contributions to agriculture and rural development. Ms. Veberly J. Uyaan, owner of Vel Seirra Integrated Farm, emphasized the role of women as key drivers of food security and community resilience. Complementing this, a special segment on “Malasakit in Action” featured Atty. Glaiza Bernadeth P. Pinto-Tadeo, Regional Director of National Commission of Senior Citizens Region 1 (NCSC R1), reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of senior citizens. She highlighted key policies promoting dignified aging and underscored the continued strengthening of social protection mechanisms for the elderly sector.

Further enriching the discussions, Ms. Divine C. Doctor, co-owner of Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation, showcased women’s expanding influence in entrepreneurship, underscoring their critical role in driving inclusive economic growth and strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises through innovation and sustainable practices.

Meanwhile, under the Courage (Tapang) pillar, Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria, Academician from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), emphasized the importance of women’s active participation in science, technology, and innovation, recognizing their invaluable contributions to knowledge generation and national development.

The Convention also featured the recognition of outstanding GAD champions from across Region I, honoring individuals and institutions whose exemplary efforts have significantly advanced gender-responsive programs, policies, and initiatives. This recognition highlighted the power of collective action in driving meaningful progress toward gender equality.

An open forum further enriched the event by fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices among participants, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and reinforcing partnerships across sectors.

Overall, the Regional Women’s Leadership Convention reaffirmed the Babaylan as a powerful and enduring model of leadership anchored in wisdom, compassion, courage, and collective responsibility, guiding the pursuit of inclusive growth and transformative change in society.

22/04/2026

𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐃𝐂-𝟏 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏
By: Rio Dyan B. Adviento

In a continued effort to promote inclusive and gender-responsive development, the Regional Gender and Development Committee Region I (RGADC-1) under the leadership of Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Chairperson and Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region convened its 1st Quarter Meeting in San Juan, La Union. The gathering brought together representatives from regional line agencies and partner institutions, reinforcing a unified commitment to strengthen Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives across the Ilocos Region. .

During the meeting, the Committee approved the 2025 RGADC-1 Accomplishment Report and endorsed the 2026 RGADC-1 Work Program for implementation, in coordination with the Philippine Commission on Women. These milestones reaffirm the region’s commitment to institutionalizing gender mainstreaming across programs, projects, and policies, while aligning regional efforts with national GAD frameworks.

A key agenda item focused on preparatory actions for the upcoming call for applications to the Region I GAD Resource Pool (R1GRP). The Committee discussed the proposed reconstitution of the Screening Committee and emphasized the refinement of selection criteria and processes to ensure a credible, competent, and diverse pool of GAD resource persons. This initiative is expected to strengthen the region’s capacity to deliver quality technical assistance, training, and advocacy support to agencies and local government units.

The meeting also featured strategic knowledge-sharing from partner agencies. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region I presented updates on the implementation of Republic Act No. 12076, highlighting the integration of gender-responsive standards in evacuation centers and the promotion of women’s participation in disaster risk reduction and management. Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region I reported on the GAD compliance of private higher education institutions, underscoring efforts to institutionalize gender-responsive policies in the education sector.

Updates were likewise presented on key social protection and development concerns, including the 2025 Violence Against Women situationer by the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking–Child Pornography–Violence Against Women and Their Children Region I (RIACAT-CP-VAWC-1), peacebuilding initiatives of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and the status of drug-related cases in the region by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region I. Collectively, these inputs provide critical evidence to inform policy directions and strengthen gender-responsive interventions across sectors.

In addition, the Region I Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE I) presented an overview of its organization, highlighting its role as a vital partner in promoting grassroots advocacy and supporting the implementation of gender-responsive initiatives across communities.

In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the Committee also organized the 2026 GAD Convention and Women’s Month activities, anchored on the theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas.” These initiatives aim to highlight women’s leadership, elevate indigenous and local narratives of empowerment, and foster stronger collaboration among GAD champions in the region.

Through these collective efforts, RGADC-1 continues to strengthen convergence among stakeholders, enhance institutional capacities, and drive the implementation of gender-responsive policies and programs-ultimately contributing to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in the Ilocos Region.

21/04/2026

07/04/2026

| Women’s Month culmination highlights women in leadership roles

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Regional Gender and Development Committee in the Ilocos (RGADC-1) highlighted the vital role of women in leadership and nation-building during the 2026 Region 1 Gender and Development (GAD) Convention.

The event culminated the National Women’s Month celebration held at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA RFO) 1 on March 31.

Anchored on the theme “Lead like the ‘Babaylans,’ Filipinas,” the event gathered GAD advocates, leaders, and stakeholders across the Ilocos Region to celebrate women’s contributions in various sectors.

The convention featured a four-pillar framework—wisdom (kaalaman), compassion (malasakit), courage (tapang), and collective responsibility—highlighting women’s contributions to governance, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and science.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 1 director and RGADC-1 chairperson, Dr. Teresita Tabaog, said that the gathering brought together various stakeholders toward a shared vision to advance gender equality and inclusive development.

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01/04/2026

REGION 1 GAD CONVENTION CHAMPIONS BABAYLAN SPIRIT IN INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

The Region 1 Gender and Development (GAD) Convention organized by the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) continues at the Department of Agriculture–Regional Office 1 on March 1, highlighting the relevance of the Babaylan spirit in modern leadership.

The gathering reinforces that inclusive development is rooted in compassionate, service-oriented leadership across sectors.

Fidel Libao, Regional Executive Director of DA Ilocos, emphasizes that the Babaylan spirit is reflected in the quiet yet steadfast leadership of women in communities, farms, and government offices.

He describes this leadership as grounded in care, responsibility, and resilience, even amid uncertainty and challenges.

He adds that to “lead like the Babaylan” means practicing inclusive leadership that listens, uplifts people, and ensures that no sector is left behind, while the Department of Agriculture reaffirms its commitment to recognizing women as essential partners in development.

✍️: Ezekiel Teaño