To review the accomplishments and evaluate the output of the MHSD’s Gender and Development Plan and Budget (GPB) for Year 2021, the members of the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS) convened on July 30, 2021 at the Precious Cabana Ynna Beach Resort, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The GFPS is led by Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, and co-led by Deputy Minister Atty. Jose I. Lorena. The GFPS has the Technical Working Group chaired by Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim.

Director General Ebrahim welcomed all the participants and highlighted his dedication to the implemention of GAD. He emphasized his strong commitment and advocacy on the improvement of GAD and its mainstreaming in the region.

“You cannot be a true man if you cannot put by heart the respect for women”, said DG Ebrahim. He also emphasized the importance of women in Islam, which is the foundation of his strong advocacy on GAD.

The activity was spearheaded by Atty. Nasihah S. Mamarungcas, MHSD GAD Focal Person  who presented the updates and accomplishments of the GPB 2021, in accordance with the detailed presentation of Accountant Jasmin M. Macarimbang on the contents of the GPB 2021.

MHSD’s GAD Alternate Focal Person, Zuhaira U. Ebrahim gave the overview of the activity and presented the formulated GPB for Year 2022, its activities, and expected outputs.

The activity resulted to the identification of the strategies for the remaining GAD activities of the ministry. Specific topics and schedules on the Gender Sensitivity Training for the organization-based GAD output were also defined and finalized. The group is set to continue the implementation of the activities for better mainstreaming of GAD within the ministry.