An Assessment of the Functionality of the GAD Focal Point System in the Cities of Calabarzon towards Policy Enhancement

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out if the cities of CALABARZON Region are equipped with functional Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS). Specifically it aims to find out: 1). The GAD Organizational Structure or mechanism used to localize MCW; 2). the level of participation of the members of GFPS; 3) the level of relevance of trainings attended; 4) the level of utilization of the 5% GAD budget; and 5). The issues/problems encountered in discharging their functions. A total of 331 members of the GFPS responded to this study. The study’s population was determined using purposive sampling technique. Results showed that the Organizational Structure used was in the form or GFPS and GAD Council. Some members of the GFPS were in full participation; some were in partial participation and not participating as member of GFPS. The assessment on the relevance of trainings attended to their functions were in the scale of highly relevant, relevant, and fairly relevant; however, there are also responses in a smaller number in the scale of irrelevant; Problems encountered were low understanding of gender issues, incapability to determine right and appropriate PPAs to address gender issues, and absence of GAD agenda that caused the low utilization of GAD Fund. Thus, the researcher is recommending for an enhanced policy to strengthen the establishment of a functional GAD Focal Point System.