The Lapu-Lapu City Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and children through its continuing advocacy campaign, “Protect, Empower, Advocate: Every Woman and Child Deserves a Life Free from Violence.” With insights from legal and social welfare experts, the city remains steadfast in raising awareness, strengthening protection, and empowering every woman and child to live a life of dignity, safety, and equality. On March 27, 2025, the City Government proudly conducted the event under this campaign, highlighting its strong and continuing dedication to eliminating all forms of violence against women and children. The morning session featured enlightening discussions from distinguished resource speakers: ·        Atty. Lylanie M. Gala of the City Attorney’s Office, who shared legal perspectives and measures to address acts of violence; and ·        Ms. Lusvisminda G. Canoy of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), who presented the current situation and statistical data on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) cases in Lapu-Lapu City. The event was also graced by City Administrator Atty. Danilo E. Almendras and Atty. Mario Dennis A. Calvo, Head of the Human Resource Office, both of whom expressed the City Government’s continuing support and commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of women and children. The seminar, “Protect, Empower, Advocate: Every Woman and Child Deserves a Life Free from Violence,” was successfully conducted with the active participation of 74 city government employees — comprising 50 females and 24 males. This turnout reflects the city’s inclusive approach to promoting gender sensitivity, shared responsibility, and collective action in the fight against violence. As the Lapu-Lapu City Government continues to champion the cause of women and children, it calls on every citizen to empower, protect, and take a stand against violence, ensuring that every woman and child lives in a safe, just, and compassionate community.  

The Lapu-Lapu City Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) successfully conducted a two-day training on the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG), Program Implementation, Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PIMME), and the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) on February 20–21, 2025 at Eloisa Suite and Hotel, Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City. The activity, organized by the City GAD Secretariat under the leadership of Ms. Judith Furuta, City Budget Officer and Head of the City GAD Secretariat, was attended by members of the city’s GFPS and other partner offices committed to strengthening gender mainstreaming efforts in local governance. In his welcome message and rationale, Mr. Junard A. Abalos, City GAD Focal Person, emphasized the importance of continuously enhancing the capacity of city employees to ensure that gender and development (GAD) principles are effectively implemented across all departments. He highlighted that the training supports Lapu-Lapu City’s goal of promoting inclusive and gender-responsive governance. The event was graced by Hon. Atty. Linda Susan Baring, Hon. Ariane Neil Marie Yap, and Hon. Jeorgen Eyas Book, who each delivered their messages of support to the participants. They commended the city’s ongoing initiatives in advancing gender equality and encouraged all GFPS members to translate their learnings into concrete actions that will benefit every Oponganon. Serving as the resource speaker was Ms. M. E. Myrel M. Siason, Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) Secretariat of DOST Region VII and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) GAD Resource Pool Member. She provided an in-depth discussion on the use of HGDG, PIMME, and GMEF as tools for assessing, implementing, and evaluating gender-responsive programs and projects. As part of the workshop, Ms. Siason divided the participants into three groups to identify the gaps and challenges of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in integrating gender perspectives into its operations. The CDRRMO was selected as the pilot model office for the PIMME and GMEF assessment, which will serve as a benchmark for other city departments. The training underscored the importance of evidence-based planning, gender-disaggregated data, and continuous monitoring in sustaining GAD initiatives. Participants expressed their renewed commitment to advance gender equality and institutionalize GAD mechanisms across all levels of local governance. This two-day activity reflects Lapu-Lapu City’s steadfast dedication to promoting inclusive, gender-responsive, and equitable governance, ensuring that all programs and services truly address the needs of every Oponganon

The Gender and Development (GAD) Office of Lapu-Lapu City, under the leadership of City GAD Focal Person Ms. Maria Sheila C. Baylosis, successfully conducted a two-day Leadership Training for LGBTQIA+ Barangay Leaders on October 28–29, 2025, held at Shark Resort, Barangay Caw-oy, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City.   This meaningful activity was made possible through the joint efforts of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), represented by its GAD Focal Person Ms. Alandel Pepino, and in partnership with the ALIVE Organization, led by its Founder Mr. Ferdinand B. San Mateo and President Ms. Chien Tumulak. The event’s success was further strengthened by the unwavering support of Hon. Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” K. Chan and Congressman Junard “Ahong” Q. Chan, whose steadfast advocacy for inclusivity and gender equality continues to empower the city’s GAD initiatives.   The primary purpose of the training was to strengthen the leadership and organizational skills of LGBTQIA+ barangay leaders, promoting inclusivity and equal participation of the LGBTQIA+ community in local governance. It also aimed to enhance awareness of gender sensitivity, rights, and responsibilities, and to encourage collaboration among LGBTQIA+ leaders in advancing programs that promote equality, respect, and social responsibility. Ultimately, the training sought to empower participants to become active advocates of gender-responsive programs and policies within their respective barangays.   Throughout the two-day training, participants engaged in interactive discussions, workshops, and team-building activities designed to enhance leadership competencies and foster camaraderie among LGBTQIA+ leaders. The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Leoni Mario E. Potot, who served as the resource speaker, sharing valuable insights on gender empowerment, leadership ethics, effective communication, and community organizing. Participants were encouraged to share their own experiences, express their thoughts, and reflect on the challenges and successes of promoting inclusivity within their communities.   The training provided a meaningful venue for empowerment, learning, and fellowship. It strengthened the commitment of LGBTQIA+ barangay leaders to serve as advocates of equality and positive change, fostering unity and understanding among the diverse sectors of the city.   In conclusion, the Leadership Training for LGBTQIA+ Barangay Leaders was a resounding success, showcasing Lapu-Lapu City’s continuous commitment to building an inclusive, empowered, and gender-responsive community. The collaboration among the GAD Office, CSWDO, and ALIVE Organization—together with the strong support of the city leadership—demonstrated the city’s dedication to promoting gender equality and recognizing the vital role of the LGBTQIA+ sector in local governance and community development.

The Lapu-Lapu City Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) conducted a benchmarking and learning visit to the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna, from August 29 to 31, 2024. The activity aimed to study and adopt best practices in Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming, particularly the establishment and utilization of a GAD Database System.The benchmarking team, composed of 25 members from various city departments, was welcomed by the officials of Los Baños led by Mayor Anthony “Ton” Genuino, Municipal Councilor Hon. Leren Mae Bautista, and Ms. Karen Lagat-Mercado, the GAD Focal Person. Ms. Mercado presented the municipality’s innovative GAD programs and their comprehensive GAD Database Management Information System, which ensures efficient monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of gender-responsive projects.    Among the highlighted best practices were the “Aling Tindera Program” and “Palit Basura Program,” which promote women’s economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. The team also visited various GAD-related facilities including the Rural Health Clinic, Child Care Center, Senior Citizens Care Center, and Yakap Bayan Center—all designed to cater to the needs of different sectors in a gender-sensitive manner.    The visit emphasized Los Baños’ effective integration of gender perspectives in local governance through data-driven planning, consistent capacity-building activities, and the establishment of a dedicated GAD Office and Monitoring Team. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and sustainable development.     The Lapu-Lapu City delegation recognized the value of adopting a similar GAD Database System and establishing a GAD Monitoring and Assessment Team to enhance the implementation of GAD programs in the city. The benchmarking experience served as an eye-opener on how strategic data management and participatory governance can strengthen gender mainstreaming efforts.   In conclusion, the benchmarking activity was a meaningful learning experience that provided actionable insights for enhancing gender-responsive governance in Lapu-Lapu City, aligning with the city’s goal of becoming a model of equality, inclusivity, and empowerment for all.