28 November 2023 | In accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10398 which declares November 25 of every year as the “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children” and the observance of 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with the theme “United for a VAW Free Philippines”, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Rehiyon Dose headed by Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III conducted an Orientation to DILG Regional Office XII personnel on Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act today during its convocation. Atty. Jane S. Torreon, DILG XII Legal Officer, served as the Resource Person and discussed the various legal concepts related to gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) and emphasized on the different acts of GBSH committed in different settings and the concomitant penalties. In her message, RD Leysa stressed that the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) is an important initiative to raise awareness and promote action against gender-based violence. The theme "United for a VAW Free Philippines" emphasizes the collective effort needed to address and eradicate violence against women. #LupadDose #dosethebest

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Unveiling Open Governance: OGPinas Nationwide Advocacy Campaign in Mindanao, November 24, 2023 at University of Southeastern of the Philippines, Davao City The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Mindanao cluster host a pivotal event, the OGPinas: Nationwide Advocacy Campaign, drawing nearly 300 participants from Mindanao's Cluster Regions 12, 13, and Region 11 hosting the activity. In collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Open Government Partnership and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), this gathering aimed to champion open governance and transparency in the region. Hon. Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, City Councilor of Davao, extended a warm welcome on behalf of Mayor Sebastian R. Duterte. Meanwhile, DILG XII Regional Director, Josephine Cabrido Leysa CESO III, delivered a powerful address on behalf of Secretary Benjamin Abalos as one of the keynote speaker, emphasizing the Department of the Interior and Local Government's steadfast commitment to supporting PH-OGP advocacies. She was also delighted to share before the attendees the journey of DILG and partners to operationalize the SOCCSKSARGEN CSO Academy. Keynote speaker Associate Justice Japar Dimaampaw from the Supreme Court of the Philippines shared profound thoughts about the OGPinas initiative. He also underscored various reforms introduced by the Supreme Court in support to OGP principles- that is in support of its mandate to attain social justice. Undersecretary Wilford Will L. Wong of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), gave a comprehensive introduction to PH-OGP, emphasizing the department's dedication to supporting open governance initiatives. Secretary Amenah F. Pagandaman of DBM explained the essence of OG Pinas, leading to a symbolic moment—the signing of the Pledge Wall, symbolizing a collective commitment to open governance. Elvin D. Chatto provided insights into OGP's foundations, offerings, and achievements, followed by a compelling Civil Society Organization (CSO) success story, illustrating how these organizations champion open government and make a meaningful impact. A dynamic question and answer session, led by RD Josephine Cabrido Leysa, showcased best practices in CSO participation in Region XII with her interactive turn with a compelling Civil Society Organization (CSO) success story, illustrating how CSOs can champion open government initiatives. She was privileged to share one of our innovations, the CSO Academy of SOCCSKSARGEN. In conclusion, DBM Regional Director XI, Gary R. Martel, summarized the day's discussions, reinforcing the commitment to fostering open governance in the region. This assembly demonstrates collective determination to propel open governance forward, as Mindanao embraces transparency, collaboration, and citizen engagement. #CSOActiveEngagement Empowering Communities, Igniting Change!

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GAD SEAL PROGRAM OF RGADC XII IS FINALIST IN THE GOVERNMENT BEST PRACTICES RECOGNITION (GBPR) CY 2023 The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) hailed GAD Seal Program, a pioneering innovation of the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) XII, as one of the nine (9) finalists out of sixty-seven (67) entries nationwide in the Government Best Practices Recognition (GBPR) for CY 2023 during its culmination program held on November 24, 2023 via Zoom platform. This recognition serves as a significant validation of the passionate work of RGADC XII in championing gender empowerment and GAD mainstreaming in SOCCSKSARGEN. Notably, GAD Seal Program was initially implemented among national government agencies within the Prime Regional Government Center 12, Koronadal City. Due to its potential for creating impactful change in gender and development landscape, the implementation was extended to local government units of Region 12. Moreover, the DILG Central Office, through its Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), also adopted the Program to be implemented in DILG Regional Offices nationwide. Congratulations to RGADC XII! For a GAD-Zone Rehiyon Dose, We Unite!

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REHIYON DOSE IS SUBAYBAYANI 2023 TOP PERFORMER DILG Regional Office XII bagged 3rd Place in the Top Overall Performer Award IN 2023 SubayBAYANI AWARDS held on November 16, 2023 at Sequoia Hotel, Manila Bay, Aseana City, Paranaque. A total of 87 LGUs were shortlisted SUBAYBAYANI Finalist all over the country wherein Rehiyon Dose prides itself with a total of eight (8) SUBAYBAYANI finalists that include three (3) Provinces: PLGU-Sultan Kudarat, PLGU-Sarangani and PLGU-South Cotabato and five (5) Municipalities: Magpet, Libungan, Pres. Roxas and Pigcawayan in the Province of Cotabato and Surallah in the Province of South Cotabato. The SubayBAYANI Awards Ceremony is annually organized to recognize the excellent and consistent performance of LGUs and DILG Focal Persons in the overall implementation and monitoring of Locally Funded Projects and LGU Infrastructure Projects. On the otherhand, PLGU South Cotabato, Municipality of Magpet, Libungan, Pres. Roxas and Surallah were also awarded as SUBAYBAYANI Top Performing LGUs nationwide. The awards were presented by DILG Undersecretary for Local Government MARLO L. IRINGAN, CESO III and OPDS Director Alfonso Maralli, Jr. to DILG XII, Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III together with PDMU Chief Engr. Herminia Ontoy, and LGU awardees of Rehiyon Dose.

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