The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that it is rolling out a new program that eyes to push for more gender-sensitive and inclusive governance.
Called the Local Initiative in Governance and Social Protection (or LINGAP), this program will supposedly harmonize the department’s existing initiatives on inclusivity to:
- safeguard the most vulnerable sectors at the local level; and
- ensure effective implementation of social protection policies across LGUs, focusing on gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion (GEDSI).
It is anchored on Executive Order 100 that institutionalizes the country’s Diversity and Inclusion Program (DIP), and Executive Order 51 that safeguards members of the LGBTQIA+ community against discrimination.
Under LINGAP, the DILG will, specifically:
- strengthen LGUs’ implementation of health-related policies, such as the Universal Health Care Act, Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act, and Zero Hunger goal.
- support initiatives on literacy, poverty alleviation, and the advancement of rights and protection of Persons with Disability (PWD), Senior Citizens, Solo Parents, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
A nationwide program launch is scheduled this October to unveil the inter-agency commitments of the DILG on health, nutrition, reproductive health, poverty, education, gender equality, disability, and senior citizens. The activity will similarly serve as a venue for sharing GEDSI-responsive best practices among LGUs.
