DILG R-3, led by RD Florida M. Dijan, conducted a Seminar-Workshop on LGU Gender and Development (GAD) Planning, Update and Review (SPUR) cum Skills Enhancement on Photojournalism and Newswriting and DILG Programs Implementation Updates and Review (SPUR) on December 16-19, 2014 at Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, Subic, Zambales. It was attended by 165 DILG Region 3 personnel composed of the members of the Regional Office GAD Focal Point System, Provincial and City Directors and City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs).

   The objectives of the activity were: a) to capacitate the DILG Field Officers to effectively provide technical assistance on LGU GAD Planning and Review, b) to equip them with skills on newswriting and basic photography to document relevant DILG field activities in their respective area of assignment for press release and publication to official newsletters, and 3) to discuss program implementation review and update/status of DILG funded projects and enable field officers to upload/update project images in the Programs and Projects Monitoring System (PPMS).

   For the GAD Planning, Update and Review, resource persons from the Philippine Council for Women (PCW) were invited to explain topics on LGU Mandates on Gender and Development, Gender Mainstreaming as a Strategy to implement the MCW, Gender Analysis and Tools and its use in the preparation of LGU GAD Plan and Budget and PCW-DILG-DBM-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-01 re: Guidelines on the Localization of the MCW. Participants, grouped by province, had a simulation on LGU planning and review using the new template for the purpose.

   Towards the end of the activity, RD Florida Dijan gave guidance to the regional and field office personnel on the Department’s way forward and shift in the succeeding year. She urged everyone to continue to level up and enhance skills. She also stated the the need for due diligence to effectively hurdle the challenges and tasks at hand.