The local government of Pasig underscored its commitment to addressing persistent gender gaps in governance and economic participation during the 2025 National Capital Region (NCR) Gender and Development (GAD) Summit, emphasizing the role of inclusive policies, gender-responsive programs, and strong partnerships in building an economy that benefits all, especially women, marginalized groups, and vulnerable sectors.

Pasig City hosted this year's summit with the theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Advancing Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Governance for a Resilient Economy and Sustainable Development,” held on Thursday, Nov. 13, at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan.

The city government led the event, joined by local officials, department and office heads, and members of the GAD Focal Point System from both the city and barangay levels. The summit also brought together representatives from the local governments of 16 cities and one municipality in the NCR who oversee GAD initiatives, along with civil society organizations, national government partners, and various agencies.

In his welcoming remarks, Pasig City GAD Office Head Jose Rey Q. Espina focused on the significance of this year’s theme and how it guides the direction of local GAD initiatives. He noted that the summit serves as a venue for sharing efforts, learning from partners, and strengthening programs that promote gender equality and inclusive governance across the region.

Mayor Vico Sotto, Congressman Roman Romulo, Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, and several members of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod also attended the gathering to express their support. Present were Councilor Boyie Raymundo, Chairperson of the Committee on GAD; Councilor Maro Martires; Councilor Warren Inocencio; and Councilor Paul Senogat.

“Layunin nitong bigyang-diin ang pagiging inklusibo at nakatugon alinsunod sa mabuting pamamahala ang partisipasyon ng anumang kasarian. Naniniwa tayong nararapat lamang na mai-uplift at ma-empower ang kakayahan ng lahat at walang pinipiling gender or identity (It aims to emphasize inclusive and responsive participation, grounded in good governance, for people of all genders. We believe that everyone deserves to be uplifted and empowered, with no one limited or excluded based on gender or identity),” Senogat said.

During the event, several resource speakers also shared valuable insights on gender-responsive healthcare, strengthening the participation of women and gender-diverse groups in the local economy, innovations for sustainable and inclusive governance, social equity, the empowerment of cooperatives, and the use of digital tools that enhance local economic development.

The participating local governments were given a Plaque of Appreciation and a token. It was followed by the ceremonial turnover of the NCR GAD Summit flag from the Pasig City Government to the Pasay City Government, which will serve as host for next year’s summit.