The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, in partnership with Isabela City Lady Legislators Association (IBLLA) led by Misriya Tupay successfully conducted the LEGISGAD Training: Gender-Responsive Barangay Ordinances and Resolutions Using Sex-Disaggregated Data from March 26–27, gathering barangay officials and stakeholders to strengthen gender-responsive local legislation.
The two-day training forms part of the city’s continuing initiative to institutionalize inclusive, data-driven governance at the grassroots level, equipping barangays with the knowledge and tools needed to craft policies that respond to the diverse realities of their communities.
On the first day, participants deepened their understanding of gender concepts, legal foundations of Gender and Development (GAD), and the importance of identifying gender issues at the community level. Sessions on sex-disaggregated data and barangay gender data mapping highlighted the role of evidence-based planning in policy formulation.
The second day focused on practical application, with sessions on barangay legislative powers, effective resolution writing, and workshops on developing gender-responsive ordinances. A legislative clinic and presentations enabled participants to translate theory into concrete policy outputs, while the presentation of Isabela City’s GAD best practices served as a model for replication.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that our barangay policies are not only inclusive but also grounded in data and responsive to the real needs of our people,” Mayor Hataman said. “Through LEGISGAD, we empower our local leaders to become champions of gender-responsive governance.”
During the closing program, participants shared testimonies highlighting the impact of the training—described as the first of its kind specifically designed for barangay kagawads. Many expressed a deeper appreciation and understanding of GAD, and a renewed confidence in integrating gender-responsive approaches into their legislative functions.
“Ngayon ko lang po lubos na naintindihan ang GAD at kung paano ito i-integrate sa aming trabaho bilang kagawad. Hindi lang pala ito programa—ito ay gabay sa paggawa ng mas makatarungang desisyon para sa aming komunidad.”
“Malaking tulong po ang training na ito, lalo na sa paggawa ng resolutions. Mas naging malinaw sa amin kung paano gumawa ng mga ordinansa na tumutugon sa tunay na pangangailangan ng kababaihan at iba pang sektor.”
“This is the first time na naka-attend kami ng ganitong klaseng training na very practical. Hindi lang theory—talagang natutunan namin kung paano gawin at i-apply sa barangay level.”
Resource speakers included DILG ICFOU CLGOO Arnel Alvarez, Jeanette Climaco Rojas of the Local Amnesty Board, City Legal Officer Atty. Rosebelle Sanson, NFI Executive Director Miriam Suacito, Office of the Basilan Lone District Representative Chief of Staff Dayang Mirhama Jaljalis, and BARMM-BHRC Basilan Provincial Director Atty. Alman-Najar Namla. Also contributing to the sessions were Councilor Karel Sakkalahul, chair of the SP committees on GAD, Women, Children and Family Affairs, and Mendry-Ann Lim, GAD Focal Person of Isabela City.
According to the City GAD Unit, the training is expected to result in stronger, more inclusive barangay ordinances and resolutions that integrate gender perspectives and utilize sex-disaggregated data in decision-making.
With LEGISGAD, Isabela City continues to position itself as a leader in gender-responsive governance, ensuring that no sector is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development. (Words by M. Lim, CIO/Photos by K. Sencio, IsaTV)
