The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX gathered GAD Focals of the cities of Pagadian, Isabela, Dipolog and Dapitan as well as DILG Provincial and Regional GAD Focals to further enhance understanding on GAD Basics, appreciation of all GAD mandates, deepen the knowledge on the use of Gender Analysis Tools such as 24-Hour Activity Profile, Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG), Project Implementation, Management, Monitoring and Evaluation (PIMME) Checklists, Gender Responsive LGU Ka Ba? (GeRL) Tool Assessment, GFPS Functionality Assessment Tools and other related tools.

PCW-certified National Pool Resource Member, Prof. Rosalyn R. Echem served as the resource person for the said training. The activity served as an avenue for the DILG and LGUs participants to exchange their best practices, challenges and issues faced in the implementation of GAD in the locality.

Addressing local gender isssues, particularly that of the vulnerable members of the society is one of the top priorities of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. Mayor Turabin-Hataman, currently the only female City Mayor in Zamboanga Peninsula, is a staunch advocate of gender equality and women empowerment.