Legazpi City, Albay – In a concerted effort to enhance the implementation and monitoring of Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, the Department of Education Regional Office V conducted the Mid-Year GAD Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) Audit from July 30 to August 3, 2025 at Lotus Blu Hotel, Legazpi City.

The regional activity convened select administrative officers from across Bicol, including Marlou Jamoralin and Andrea Cyril Derilo of SDO Sorsogon City, together with participants from Camarines Sur, Legazpi City, Masbate Province, and staff from the DepEd Regional Office V.

The GAD Audit aimed to assess alignment with national gender mainstreaming policies, identify gaps and challenges in GAD implementation, and recommend evidence-based improvements moving forward. Organized under the guidance of DepEd’s Gender and Development (GAD) framework, the evaluators examined implementation plans, completion reports, and monitoring tools to uncover gaps and highlight areas for enhancement. The audit also highlighted the importance of data-informed decision-making, recommending the use of systems such as the Program Management Information System (PMIS) to track gender-related indicators.

Regional Director Gilbert T. Sadsad emphasized that the audit is not merely a compliance exercise but a strategic tool to institutionalize gender equality in every aspect of education service delivery.

This initiative underscores DepEd Region V’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive governance and fostering inclusive education across the region.

As the GAD Audit concluded, SDO Sorsogon City is now challenged to translate insights from the regional evaluation into concrete action—refining its implementation strategies, ensuring timely and quality reporting, and maximizing data systems like PMIS.

With its active involvement in this regional effort, the SDO Management, headed by SDS William Gando, CESO VI, is poised to elevate its commitment to gender-responsive governance and set a strong example for inclusive, data-driven education programs in the SDO Sorosgon City.

photo credits: DepEd ROV, Marlou Jamoralin, and Andrea Cyril Derilo.