The Quezon City-Gender and Development (QC-GAD) Council Office was recognized by Equality in Tourism (EiT) organization for its gender equality programs.
The QC-GAD will receive the "Highly Commended Participant" award during the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) 2023, which is the world's largest tourism trade fair attended by companies and organizations across 180 countries.
It will be held in Berlin, Germany on International Women’s Day, March 8.
EiT is a women's non-profit organization committed to developing sustainable and equitable tourism.
"The commitment of the Gender and Development Council Office to promote gender equality and improve the lives of women is central to the work at Equality in Tourism and so we feel that the Office deserves recognition for their efforts," EiT said.
It stated that it admired how QC-GAD actively promotes gender equality through the implementation of simultaneous-inclusive programs among LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) in the city.
"The vision for Quezon city is to be a leader and model of rights-based and gender-responsive local governance to create a society that is free from gender oppression, violence, and discrimination," the organization said.
It said the QC local government had submitted its entry for the award, which was composed of the city's "detailed" commitment to protect and promote gender equality.
"Under the leadership of Mayor Josefina Belmonte, the Chairperson of the organization, they have been recognized by the Philippine Commission on Women. Their initiatives cover education as well as physical and emotional wellbeing of women, with programs, including a Local Learning Hub, Social Hygiene Clinics, and a Protection Centre," EiT remarked.
The organization applauded the schemes implemented by the city, including the “zero tolerance” policy against gender-based violence, Quezon City Protection Center, and Bahay Kanlungan for victims and survivors of any type of violence.
It also acknowledged the 2022 Bahaghari Champion Award received by Belmonte from Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride, and the District Quezon City Pride Council's annual Pride March, which was attended by over 25,000 people last year.