As part of the Agency’s commitment to gender and development (GAD), the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera continues to implement programs and projects that propagate GAD awareness towards gender responsive development initiatives.
This fiscal year 2026, a total amount of Php74.349M has been allocated as part of the Agency’s GAD budget, which accounts for about 12.9% of the total Agency budget for the year. DA-CAR GAD Report Officer Cecil Capegsan explained that the 2026 GAD plan is composed of both client-focused and organization-focused GAD activities that directly respond to identified gender issues affecting the Agency’s delivery of its services to farmers who are its main clients.
Some of these client-focused GAD activities include provision of production support services such as seeds and other planting materials, as well bio-control agents, pest control recommendations and soil testing kits, anchored on the Agency’s climate resiliency program.
“Gender and development has been mainstreamed in our regular delivery of services. Another example are the KADIWA events, like the KADIWA ni Pangulo, that specially cater to the needs of the women sector, solo parents, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities,” Capegsan said.
Capacity building of the Agency’s clients also make up a significant part of its GAD plan and budget. DA-CAR provides training for its men and women clients on the production of safe and quality foods, particularly on the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of groups involved in organic farming. These activities are highlighted in response to the need for providing opportunities for both men and women to produce safe, quality and globally competitive agriculture products.
In addition, organization – focused GAD activities directly address the implementation of laws such as RA 11210 which grants maternity leave of up to 105 days, RA 8187 (Paternity Act of 1996) and RA 8972 (Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000). Aside from availing privileges provided by these laws by, information and education campaigns are also conducted to disseminate these laws and other gender relevant laws like the RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004.
The annual celebration of the National Women’s Month every month of March also highlights the gender and development mainstreaming efforts of the Agency, facilitated by the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) chaired by Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan.
Aside from the laws mentioned, all GAD mainstreaming initiatives are mandated by RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women signed into law in 2009, which is the comprehensive law protecting women against discrimination by protecting and promoting equality in rights, opportunities, and treatment.
“The targeted groups have been appreciative because with the implementation of the law, they do not feel left behind, as there is more focus for these identified sectors. With the implementation of RA 9710, at least 40 percent of the clients we have served are the said sectors which contribute to the increase in their participation in the access to and delivery of DA services,” Capegsan added.
DA-CAR aims to fully mainstream GAD, wherein everybody treats all clients the same without favor to special clients, aside from everybody understanding that all its clients, regardless of their gender and status in life, have equal access to the services and resources available from DA-CAR. //JTLlanes
DA-CAR Press Release No. 26-05