DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor has called for stronger, sustained implementation of the Men's Responsibility in Gender and Development program in all barangays, citing gaps in the organization and functioning of men's groups.

Councilor Richlyn Justol-Baguilod, chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, raised the matter in her privilege speech during the 32nd regular Session of the 21st City Council on Tuesday, August 11.

Baguilod said only 16 barangays have so far reported organized MR GAD groups based on monitoring by the Integrated Gender and Development Division.

Under the MR GAD Ordinance passed in 2021, all barangays are expected to organize men's groups to support the Barangay Council for Women and the City Government in promoting gender and development initiatives.

The MR GAD program encourages men and boys to promote gender equality, prevent gender-based violence, practice responsible fatherhood, and build healthy and respectful relationships.

Baguilod said some barangays have already organized their MR GAD groups, while others have undergone orientations and training facilitated by the IGDD and the City Population Division under the City Health Office.

These activities include gender sensitivity training, reproductive health rights, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infection awareness, and orientation on the MR GAD ordinance.

However, she identified several challenges in implementing the program.

"Organization alone is not enough," Baguilod said, noting that some existing MR GAD groups are not yet fully functional and need regular programs and activities to sustain their participation.

The councilor also pointed out that no Barangay Peer Organizers for Gender Interventions have been reported, despite the ordinance's provision for their establishment.

Under the ordinance, Barangay POGI members are expected to serve as peer facilitators in conducting community-based education, advocacy, and training among men.

Baguilod also highlighted the need to involve boys and young men in gender-related initiatives.

She noted that only Barangay Buhangin Proper has organized a Junior Responsibility in Gender and Development group. She urged the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation to help establish similar groups in other barangays.

Baguilod said JR GAD initiatives may be harmonized with existing SK programs and activities to provide young men with opportunities to learn, participate, and become advocates for gender equality and positive masculinity.

The councilor also called for more regular MR GAD activities and continuing capacity-building for barangay officials, SK members, barangay functionaries, and other stakeholders.

She proposed setting up counseling and listening spaces where men can seek support for concerns about relationships, family, fatherhood, emotional well-being, and other personal issues.

Baguilod said the positive response from barangays during MR GAD orientations shows a willingness to participate, but this must be translated into "organized, sustained, and measurable action."

"The city government cannot do this alone," she said, calling for the participation of barangays, barangay officials, the SK, civil society organizations, police, schools, community leaders, and men and boys themselves. "Gender equality is not only a women's issue—it is a shared responsibility."