ILOILO — The Municipality of Oton emerged as the top performer in advancing women’s rights and protection in Iloilo Province, leading a roster of local government units (LGUs) recognized for implementing strong gender-responsive programs during the 2025 JUANA Awards.
The recognition, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Iloilo Province and the Iloilo provincial government, highlights intensifying efforts to translate gender policies into concrete services that protect women and address gender-based violence across communities.
Held on April 29 at Casa Real de Iloilo, the JUANA Awarding Ceremony honored LGUs that demonstrated exemplary programs promoting women’s welfare and rights.
Oton clinched the championship and received P300,000 worth of soft infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening gender-responsive services for its constituents.
“The recognition places Oton at the forefront of local governance efforts in advancing women’s rights and protection, particularly in improving systems that address gender-based violence and promote inclusive development.”
Pototan was named first runner-up and will receive P200,000 in project support, while Alimodian secured second runner-up honors with P100,000.
Other finalists — Lambunao, Anilao, Igbaras, Pavia, and Dingle — were each granted P30,000 worth of soft infrastructure projects, along with plaques and certificates.
The incentives are designed to ensure that compliance with gender policies results in tangible community benefits, particularly in programs addressing women’s welfare.
Launched in March 2023 by the DILG – Iloilo Provincial Local Governance Resource Center, the JUANA Awards recognize LGUs for effectively localizing the Magna Carta of Women.
The 2025 edition introduced updated evaluation indicators, focusing on the strengthening of Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point Systems, functionality of coordination mechanisms, communication systems for GAD, and compliance with laws addressing gender-based violence.
DILG – Iloilo provincial director Engr. Carmelo Orbista emphasized the importance of the JUANA Awards in achieving gender-responsive local governance.
Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias, speaking on behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., highlighted that the JUANA Awards form part of the province’s broader program to uphold women’s rights and welfare under the MoRProGRes Iloilo initiative.
During the ceremony, Orbista and Banias led the turnover of plaques and certificates to the Municipality of Oton as the top awardee./PN
