Itogon officials, led by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, have initiated the crafting of the Gender and Development (GAD) Code and Child Code for the Municipality of Itogon in Caba, La Union in a two-day workshop on July 10-11, 2024.
Spearheaded by the chairman on social services, Councilor Norberto I. Pacio, the workshop was attended by all Sangguniang Bayan Members and executive departments involved in implementing the proposed ordinances. Participants included the Mayor’s Office’s legal officer Atty. Jacquiline Gosingan, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Grace Pocsol, members of the Philippine National Police, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Julie Malig. LGBTQIA+ representative Beliase Waclin Jr. was also present, ensuring the workshop’s inclusivity.
In his message, Vice Mayor Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio emphasized the importance of inclusivity in crafting local laws, citing that the GAD Code encompasses various development projects, such as the construction of gender-sensitive comfort rooms.
Councilor Atty. Jodea Brendalyn R. Acay-Camuyot put a weight on the significance of women’s equality and inclusivity. She stressed the importance of even minor details, such as the number of women attending events, to ensure that women are given equal opportunities.
The LGBTQIA+ community representative proposed the establishment of a centralized help desk for marginalized community members. Meanwhile, MLGOO Malig mentioned the anticipation of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) bill’s passing, which is to be duly adopted.
Both the GAD and Child Codes are scheduled for a public hearing by the end of July and are expected to become ordinances by August.
