BUTUAN CITY – In line with the continuing system enhancement of Kalahi-CIDSS, a World Bank representative recently conducted a gender assessment in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

A focused group discussion with volunteers was facilitated by Brenda S. Batistiana, World Bank Consultant for Gender Development, to collect qualitative data on the implementation of Makamasang Tugon in terms of gender development.

“We need to review how various processes in Kalahi-CIDSS from community planning to implementation have been used to promote inclusion and avoid gender bias,” Batistiana explained.

The result of the assessment will be discussed as part of an in-depth study to be published by World Bank sometime this year.

Moreover, the gender assessment is still part of the preparation of the government towards adopting a national community-driven development program (NCDDP) which will be dubbed as Kalahi-CIDSS 2 and will be implemented by all national government agencies next year. ### (Social Marketing Unit)