House approves ‘gender’ budget

The House leadership has approved the release of funds to be used for the implementation of various Gender and Development (GAD) programs at the lower chamber.

The fund-request for GAD activities was sought by the lady legislators of the 12th Congress chaired by Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar.

The group urged the House leadership to allot P25 million for GAD and women-related activities for 2003. Under the law, five percent of the total annual budget for every government agency will be utilized for GAD implementation through seminars, training programs and other projects. Until now, the GAD Act has yet to be implemented.

The House has a P150-million GAD fund out of the P3-billion budget for this year. "We are only asking for P25 million. This is far less than the total GAD budget of the Lower House," Villar stressed.

The fund, she explained would be used for the purchase of a mammography machine for the benefit of House female employees and House members. "We will also be conducting medical missions and feeding programs in nearby areas," the congresswoman added.

The group will likewise launch massive information dissemination on gender issues and concerns through seminars, film showing and training development.

The GAD Act was created to aid women in their fight against violence, discrimination and other abuses.

"The law is for women empowerment. We must take cognizance of the role of women in the community and nation building. Discrimination and abuse against women should be totally condemned," Villar pointed out.

The lady solon lauded the House leadership’s commitment to advance the cause of women through legislative action. "This is the first step in the implementation of the law on gender development. This can also be the start of having a GAD budget in other government agencies."