Tacloban City (December 9) -- In line with the government's thrust of achieving a gender-responsive governance, a Training on Gender-Based Analysis, GAD Planning and Budgeting for Program Implementers is scheduled to be conducted on December 9, 2008 at the NEDA Regional Office 8, Government Center, Palo, Leyte.

The training is being conducted by the Regional Gender and Development Committee of Eastern Visayas, Ms. Evangeline M. Paran, the committee Co-Chairperson informed.

Ms. Paran said that the objective of the training is to teach selected line agencies in the region how to conduct gender-based analysis and prepare gender-responsive GAD Plans and Budgets.

The RGADC has invited the line agencies' GAD Focal Persons and Budget Officers to the training.

The fundamental law of the land, the 1987 Constitution, states that "the State recognizes the role of women in nation building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men (Art. II, Sec.14).

Further, "the State shall protect working women by providing safe and healthy working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions, such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize their full potential in the service of the nation" (Art. XIII, Sec. 14).

These provisions have been made operational through various executive actions and legislation. RA 7192 directs all government agencies to institute measures that would eliminate gender bias in government policies, programs and projects, and to ensure that women are given the means to participate fully in development and nation-building.

RA 7192 also requires the allocation of a substantial portion of all Official Development Assistance to women and development projects starting with at least 5% in the first year of the implementation of the law and gradually increasing in subsequent years.