The Human Settlements Adjudication Commission Region I (HSAC-RI) visited the University of Northern Philippines at the UNP Hostel on June 13, 2024 for a benchmarking on the University’s Gender and Development (GAD) best practices. The team of HSAC RI employees was led by Atty. Pher Gedd De Vera, OIC, Chief Regional Adjudicator.

Ms. Celeste Bianca G. Pajaro, Information Officer, welcomed the HSAC-RI delegation and stressed that the CGAD has been training several agencies and organizations on GAD practices, enhancing employee capabilities on GAD in the region and nearby provinces.

Atty. Katrynn Louise R. Eder, Center for Gender and Development Director, discussed UNP’s GAD best practices. She highlighted UNP CGAD as a certified Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) National Training Center for Gender Sensitivity Training (GCT), awarded on December 2022. This certification recognizes that UNP’s GST program conforms to the standards set by the PCW.

Dr. Eleanor Belizar, Special Assistant to the President, Prof. Cresalyn Betita, GAD Coordinator, and Dr. Victoria Arce, former CGAD Director, also shared their knowledge on gender and development, the three professors being gender and development focal persons.

The HSAC-RI is responsible for adjudicating disputes related to real estate development, homeowner’s associations, and appeals from local and regional planning and zoning bodies. Established under Republic Act No. 11201, the HSAC is attached to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for policy, planning, and program coordination.

Article by Rocelle Villanueva. Photos by Noelle Jnyx Tacas.