Philippine Commission on Women Honors Top-Performing Agencies in GAD Budget: A Stronger Push for Gender-Responsive Governance

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In a defining moment for the nation’s continuing fight for gender equality, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is set to recognize government agencies that have stood out in their unwavering commitment to gender-responsive governance. The prestigious Recognition of 2024 Top-Performing Agencies in the Gender and Development (GAD) Budget unfolded on September 25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ballroom A and B, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City—an event that promises not only to celebrate excellence but also to strengthen the country’s resolve in mainstreaming gender equality across all levels of governance.

The recognition ceremony ran from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, followed by a press conference from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, bringing together media, government leaders, and gender advocates in one powerful gathering.

A Policy Rooted in History, Strengthened for the Future

First introduced in the 1995 General Appropriations Act as the so-called “Women’s Budget,” the GAD budget policy has since been fortified by Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women. This landmark law requires all government agencies to allocate at least 5% of their total budget to GAD Plans and Budgets—investments designed to dismantle systemic inequalities and ensure women and men benefit equally from government programs and services.

But beyond compliance, PCW champions Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB), a progressive approach that aligns entire budgets with gender-responsive principles. Through the Gender Mainstreaming Monitoring System (GMMS), the PCW works with oversight agencies to ensure accountability, transparency, and measurable progress in gender mainstreaming.

Recognizing Champions of Gender-Responsive Governance

The event goes far beyond a ceremonial pat on the back—it aims to spark a culture of accountability and shared responsibility. Specifically, it will:

Honor top-performing agencies for their GAD budget allocation and expenditure for FY 2024.

Highlight best practices and lessons learned, setting models that other agencies can replicate.

Promote accountability and transparency in GAD budgeting and implementation.

Engage the media and the public, ensuring stronger awareness of the government’s commitment to gender equality.

Foster stronger inter-agency collaboration, scaling up gender-responsive budgeting and mainstreaming practices nationwide.

This recognition is not merely symbolic—it is a reminder that gender equality is a non-negotiable pillar of good governance.

Building a More Inclusive Future

By recognizing agencies that go above and beyond in their GAD budget implementation, the PCW underscores the urgent need to weave gender equality into the very fabric of governance. This initiative sends a clear message: gender-responsiveness is not a side project, but a fundamental duty of every institution that serves the Filipino people.

Only 30 slots are open for media representatives, underscoring the exclusivity and importance of this event. Journalists, advocates, and stakeholders are invited to witness this milestone in governance—where transparency meets accountability, and where the vision of gender equality takes another bold step forward.

A Call to Action

The PCW’s upcoming recognition ceremony is more than just an awards event—it is a rallying call to all government agencies: to not only comply with the 5% mandate but to embrace a deeper culture of inclusivity, fairness, and responsiveness.

For a nation long scarred by inequality, these top-performing agencies serve as beacons of hope and proof of what is possible when governance puts equality at the core of its mission.

As September 25 approaches, all eyes will be on the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria—where champions of gender equality will be recognized, and where the vision of a more inclusive Philippines will burn brighter than ever.

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