DEPDev Region 5

BICOL RGADC BROADENS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK WITH PIA REGION 5 INCLUSION

The Bicol Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) approved through Resolution No. 2-04, s. 2026 the membership of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 5 to the committee during its second quarter meeting on May 14, 2026.

The inclusion of PIA Region 5 will bolster the committee’s information dissemination and advocacy efforts, particularly in advancing gender-responsive programs, policies, and development initiatives throughout the Bicol Region. As the government’s public information and communications arm, PIA plays a pivotal role in strengthening public awareness, encouraging informed community participation, and amplifying key regional development priorities and concerns.

PIA Region 5 conveyed its commitment to actively support the committee’s programs, projects, and activities as its newest GAD partner.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 5 provided updates on the local government units’ (LGUs) compliance with various GAD mechanisms, including GAD Specialist appointments, GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Functionality Assessment Tool (GFAsT) employment, and GAD Code implementation.

Critical issues, including low to zero compliance rates and persistent implementation gaps, were likewise deliberated, alongside proposed interventions aimed at strengthening LGU compliance, enhancing institutional functionality, and ensuring more effective GAD mainstreaming across local governance structures.

Other matters discussed include the Philippine Commission on Women’s proposed levelling session on GAD Agenda formulation, as well as updates on regional activities and initiatives conducted in line with the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration.

DRD/kbtl

BICOL SDC ENDORSES SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS FOR SUPPORT, INCLUSION IN RDIP 2023-2028

The Bicol Social Development Committee (SDC), during its second quarter meeting on May 7, 2026, endorsed to the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC), through SDC Resolution No. 2-26 and 32, s. 2026, two social protection measures for support.

These are (1) the 16th RDC-Private Sector Representatives’ National Convention Resolution No. 08, s. 2025, requesting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to review Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11861 and consider the expansion of discounted goods and services for solo parents; and (2) the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integration Livelihood Program–Graduation Approach.

The first measure seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act by broadening the range of essential goods and services covered by discounts granted to qualified solo parents, thereby enhancing their access to basic needs and easing financial burdens. Meanwhile, the DOLE Integration Livelihood Program–Graduation Approach aims to provide vulnerable and disadvantaged workers with sustainable livelihood opportunities through a convergence of employment facilitation, capacity-building, and social protection interventions designed to help beneficiaries transition from subsistence conditions toward self-sufficiency and economic resilience.

PHP552.19 million worth of proposed programs, projects, and activities from the Department of Education, Department of Migrant Workers, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, and Sorsogon State University were also endorsed to the RDC, through SDC Resolutions 2-26 to 30, s. 2026, for inclusion in the Regional Development Investment Program 2023-2028, subject to compliance with the Secretariat’s recommendations in accordance with the updated Comprehensive Investment Programming Guidelines.

The endorsed proposals cover initiatives aimed at strengthening education, workforce development, and institutional capacity-building in the region. These include programs intended to improve access to quality education and training, enhance support services for Overseas Filipino Workers and their families, and upgrade academic and research facilities of state universities and colleges.

Other SDC matters discussed were DSWD’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty, 2025 Bicol Gross Regional Domestic Product, and 2026 Innovation Grant Boot Camp.

DRD/kbtl