Ten (10) selected partner barangays from partner organizations, Reach Out to Others Foundation, Inc. (ROOF) and Katilingban para sa Kalambuan Inc. (KKI) attended a 2-days Gender and Development Learning session conducted on September 3-4, 2015 at Bunguiao Eco-Farm Park this city.

The participants that were composed of the Barangay local government units and sectoral representatives indulge the 2-days session with information, learning and planning for the possible opportunities and activities for the GAD program in their respective Barangays.
“We would gain knowledge and hope that we can re-echo our learning experience from this session,” Raquel Olivo, a Women Sector representative from Barangay Labuan said.
There are also things that are related to children and women’s rights that weren’t able to apply (Laws) in the Barangays, but we are doing acknowledging it and doing it one step at a time, Barangay Labuan Kagawad Jayson Macasu shared.

The activity was made possible with the efforts of the ZABIDA, ROOF and KKI staffs along with the different resource persons that imparted knowledge and information to the participants; The different topics discussed were Local and National Situationer on Violence Against Women and Children by P/Insp. Izel Dua Maravilez, PNP Chief Officer, Women and Children Protection Desk and Non-Government Organization and its Anti-Trafficking Campaign presented by Ms. Loida C. Sapalo, Center Head, Akay-Kalinga Center on the Gender Issues and Concerns.

Human Rights and International/National laws advancing Gender rights on Development, Security, Safety and Peace and Participation presented by Atty. Judelyn T. Macapili, Chief Legal Division, CHR IX; GAD Planning Framework and Tool by Ms. Anangsita S. Hassan, GAD Focal person, Department of Interior and Local Government; GAD Budgeting and Auditing Framework, Guidelines, Tools presented by Ms. Lilia Ledesma, Chief, Budget Management Specialist, Department of Budget and Management IX on the GAD institutionalization.
An Open forum per topic were discussed wherein the participants were able to raise their issues, concerns and needs of clarification over a certain topic. 

Mr. RJ Martinez, farmer sector representative from Barangay Cabaluay said that with many knowledge that have learned from the activities, they were made to realize the importance of the obligation to the community. “The role of the individual is advocated, GAD is not only within the family (what is the role of a man or woman), but also of the individual, this is the true Democracy,” Mr. Martinez said.

“As leaders, although you have different work, we also sacrifice about it, because we are leaders in our own communities, we have different definitions of GAD. But we should be sensitive about it, especially which you are barangay officials,” Dr. Rebollos said during her synthesis on the first day. 

Dr. Rebollos also reminded all the participants that it should be “clear to us all, Gender Rights is Human Rights.
The GAD learning session activity is part of the Convenio program of Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance that seeks in empowering the sectoral participation and strengthening Governance and Transparency in the BLGUs not only to the partner barangays but also to the barangays in Zamboanga as well as in Basilan that is implemented by the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc.