Law Summary
1. Purpose
- Legal Principle: Establishes the framework for implementing Section 27 of the General Provisions of the CY 1996 General Appropriations Act (R.A. No. 8174).
- Key Objectives:
- Operationalize gender and development (GAD) in government programs, activities, and projects (PAPs).
2. Definition of Terms
- Key Definitions:
- Gender and Development (GAD): A development perspective emphasizing equal contributions of women and men.
- GAD-PAPs: Categorized into:
- Gender Mainstreaming PAPs: Integrate GAD in policies and processes.
- Institutional Mechanisms for GAD: Establish or strengthen agency processes for GAD.
- Women-Specific PAPs: Directly benefit women through improved access to services.
3. General Guidelines
Identification of GAD-PAPs:
- Agencies must identify GAD projects from existing PAPs, using references like the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development 1995-2025.
Budget Requirements:
- Agencies must allocate a minimum of 5% of their total budget for GAD-related projects.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Agencies are required to submit GAD-PAPs to the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) for evaluation.
4. Specific Guidelines
Identification of GAD-PAPs:
- Agencies must conduct reviews of existing PAPs to identify GAD-responsive components.
Budgeting:
- Funding for GAD-PAPs must come from the previously allocated budget for identified projects.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Agencies are to submit semestral Implementation Reports to NCRFW, detailing accomplishments and budget expenditures.
5. Effectivity
- Implementation Date: This Joint Circular took effect immediately on March 8, 1996.
Key Takeaways
- This Joint Circular mandates that government agencies in the Philippines integrate gender considerations into their development frameworks.
- A minimum budget allocation of 5% for GAD projects is required, with strict monitoring and evaluation protocols to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Agencies must maintain a focus on gender mainstreaming and women-specific initiatives to promote equity and access to services.