The City Government of Isabela successfully conducted Day 1 of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Local Learning Hub (LLH) Validation and Final Assessment on March 24, marking a key step toward its recognition as a model LGU in gender-responsive governance.
The PCW validation team is composed of Senior GAD Specialists Annrelyn Ombajin and Francess Gin Cornelio, along with GAD Specialists Jennah Faye De Leon and Gregory Louis Magbanua, and Information Office Shiekah Sandigan, who led the assessment and validation activities.
Miriam Suacito of the Nagdilaab Foundation and president of the Isabela City Local Council of Women delivered the welcome remarks, underscoring the vital role of partnerships and women-led organizations in advancing inclusive development.
The first session featured an overview of the GAD LLH presented by Senior GAD Specialist Annrelyn Ombajin. This was followed by the LGU presentation of notable GAD efforts, highlighting innovative programs that empower women, support marginalized communities, and promote equitable access to services.
GAD Focal Mendry-Ann Lim introduced the PCW panel of validators and the LGU-Isabela City proponents, which included members of the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), Local Council of Women officers, City Department Heads, GAD TWG Focal Persons, and program beneficiaries. She also presented a brief overview of the City’s GAD programs and its journey toward becoming a gender-responsive LGU, followed by an audiovisual presentation.
This was followed by the presentation of notable GAD programs of the City Government. City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos II presented HAP DENDA: IP Empowerment, while PESO Manager Aradelria Belleng presented HAPISABIDA: Business Ideation and Development Academy.
The afternoon session focused on the results validation of the Gender-Responsive LGU (GERL) Assessment Tool and verification of means of verification, where evaluators reviewed the City’s GAD policies, systems, and documented accomplishments.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman joined the activity and delivered a message of commitment, reaffirming the City Government’s dedication to strengthening GAD systems and ensuring that programs remain responsive, inclusive, and impactful for all sectors.
Day 1 of the validation underscores Isabela City’s strong institutional mechanisms and collaborative approach in advancing gender equality, positioning the City closer to becoming a recognized PCW Local Learning Hub.
Once conferred, the Local Learning Hub recognition will enable Isabela City to serve as a benchmark LGU, providing technical assistance, sharing best practices, and mentoring other local governments in implementing effective Gender and Development programs. It also affirms the City’s leadership in inclusive governance and strengthens its credibility in delivering sustainable, gender-responsive development initiatives.
The validation continues on Day 2 with site visits and further assessment activities. (Words by M. Lim, GAD Unit/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV)
