Dahino pushes for comprehensive GAD Code

Councilor Desiree Dahino is pushing the enactment of the Comprehensive Gender and Development (GAD) Code of Cagayan de Oro City to institutionalize gender mainstreaming to address gender-based discrimination and inequality.

Dahino, chairperson of the committee on women and family relations and principal author of the proposed ordinance, said the CDO GAD Code seeks to integrate gender perspectives into city government operations, including public services, employment, governance, and development.

The measure also aims to advance women’s empowerment and promote substantive equality by requiring gender reviews of proposed ordinances and resolutions to ensure that local legislation is gender-responsive and inclusive.

Dahino emphasized that institutionalizing gender-responsive policies is essential to addressing persistent inequalities and ensuring that policymaking and public service delivery consider the rights, welfare, and needs of all sectors, particularly women and other marginalized groups.

Following discussions during the committee meeting, the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) endorsed the proposed ordinance for further discussion and refinement through a Technical Working Group (TWG). (JDO/SP)