Building on its receipt of the GAD Selyo sa Rehiyon Siete 2026 for exemplary efforts in advancing gender mainstreaming in Central Visayas, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, through the Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office (PHRMDO), formally opened and blessed the Gender and Development Resource Center (GAD RC) on February 9 at the New Capitol Building beside the PHRMDO.
The newly established GAD RC is envisioned as a hub for capacity building, policy support, and advocacy, reinforcing the Capitol’s sustained commitment to creating a gender-responsive workplace and governance framework. Through the center, Capitol aims to further institutionalize gender and development principles across provincial programs, strengthen employee awareness, and ensure that gender concerns are effectively integrated into planning, implementation, and service delivery.
In addition to serving as a learning and resource space, the GAD RC is designed to promote employee welfare and work-life balance. Alternate Chair of the GAD RC, Dr. Anne Mariquit Oppus, highlighted that the center includes a breastfeeding nook, providing a safe, private, and supportive area for nursing mothers among Capitol employees. She emphasized that this feature reflects PGBh’s broader goal of fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and family-friendly work environment that recognizes the diverse needs of its workforce.
The blessing ceremony was led by Rev. Fr. James Darunday, joined by Chief-of-Staff Atty. Filipina Piollo, DILG Representative Ma. Reina Quilas and members of the Management Executive Board, underscoring multi-sectoral support for the province’s gender and development initiatives.
Vice Gov. Nick Besas reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to inclusive progress.
“We endeavor to build a province that is gender-responsive, progressive, and harmonious,” Besas said.
He further stressed that PGBh remains steadfast in equipping its manpower with the right information and mindset on GAD-related issues while embedding gender principles into the broader governance strategy to ensure equitable and sustainable development.
For 2025, the GAD RC, chaired by Aumentado, reported a wide range of accomplishments and best practices, including the development of Sex-Disaggregated Data (2024–2025) for Permanent Employees, the National Women’s Month Kick-Off Celebration, Women’s Pop-Up Bazaar, Gender Sensitivity Lecture Series, Provincial Women’s Congress, Search for the Strongest Women in the Capitol, Serbisyo para kay Sano and Sana, and the Women’s Health and Wellness Symposium.
Additional initiatives included an Outreach Program to the Bohol District Jail – Female Dormitory, Support to Victims of Gender-Based Violence through Self-Defense Classes, the opening of a Youth Home for Rehabilitation, Donation of Fabric in Support of BDJ Livelihood, PGBh Children’s Storytelling, Ipahugyaw ang Gibati: Kalma, Pinta, Ginhawa, GAD Quiz, the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW: The Orange Exhibit, VAW Orientation, Paugnat sa Kusog: Filipino Games for Children’s Month, Children’s Congress, and the Convening of the Bohol Association of GAD Focal Persons.
With the opening of the center, PGBh strengthens its institutional mechanisms for promoting gender equality, employee empowerment, and inclusive public service—marking another milestone in its pursuit of a more responsive and people-centered provincial government.
The initiative aligns with the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda, particularly advancing Social Equity and Human Development by fostering gender-responsive policies, empowering vulnerable sectors, and ensuring inclusive growth across Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (𝐏𝐈𝐌𝐎/𝐉𝐅𝐏)
