The Search Committee for the Outstanding Gender and Development (OGAD) Champions successfully conducted its in-person evaluation of contenders across three categories—Organization, Professional, and Youth—on August 19–20, 2025.
This prestigious search aims to recognize exemplary individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to advancing gender and development initiatives in their respective sectors.
For the Organization Category, the contenders were LGU Cauayan, LGU Santiago, and Cagayan State University, each showcasing innovative programs and best practices in mainstreaming GAD within their communities.
For the Professional Category, Ms. Christine Ordoñez of LGU Cauayan and Mr. McPaul Alariao of PLGU Cagayan presented their initiatives and advocacies promoting gender equality and empowerment.
Meanwhile, for the Youth Category, Mr. Jomar Crisanto, an SK official in Cauayan and the lone contender, highlighted the active participation of young leaders in advancing gender-responsive governance.
Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera of DOST Region 02, who also serves as Chair of the Regional Gender and Development Committee, was represented by Ms. Aileen Gonzales. In her message, she commended the participating agencies for demonstrating leadership and becoming at the forefront of this advocacy.
“We envision a development path that is inclusive and equitable. This means ensuring that every policy we craft, every project we implement, and every decision we make is responsive to the needs and rights of both women and men. More importantly, it means creating safe, enabling spaces where women can lead, innovate, and contribute fully to the progress of our communities.”
The face-to-face evaluation was conducted by the OGAD Search Committee, composed of distinguished representatives from various agencies.
Mr. June Iringan represented the Department of Education; Ms. Juliet Bilag, the Department of Budget and Management; Ms. Babyrose Cajulao, the Philippine National Police; Mr. Bernard Padaca, the Commission on Higher Education; Ms. Gene Baquiran, the Philippine Information Agency; Ms. Sany Lopez, Radyo Pilipinas; and Ms. Alexandr Anteola , the Philippine Commission on Women.
The committee’s comprehensive evaluation focused on the contenders’ programs, advocacies, and impact on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in their respective areas.
The culmination of this search is expected to inspire stronger collaboration among LGUs, institutions, professionals, and youth leaders in championing gender and development initiatives across the region.
