The Gender and Development Code of Bacolod City or City Ordinance No. 423 was signed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia before the end of 2006, a press release from Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue said.

C.O. 423 aims to ensure that both women and men, including girls and boys benefit equally and participate directly in development, particularly in programs, projects and activities, the press release said.

The press release also said that, under the GAD Code, the city government shall respect the rights, welfare and dignity of women and ensure the prevention and elimination of violence against women, provide services to victims; and punishment and the rehabilitation of offenders.

It also provides for education and trainings, and advocacy programs, conduct of regular gender-sensitivity training for schools, family and child health and nutrition, food safety, AIDS awareness, participation of women in business, commerce and trade, entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprises, among others, underscores women's participation and representation in the Barangay and City Development Council, Barangay Gender and Development Committee.

The press release also said the GAD Code was principally authored by Batapa-Sigue, chairperson of the Committee on Women and Gender and the Bacolod City GAD Council, and co-authored by Councilors Dindo Ramos and Lyndon Caña.*CGS

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