President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his dedication to eliminating hunger in the Philippines, introducing an enhanced initiative to address food insecurity and poverty. Speaking at the Presentation of the Signed Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Joint Memorandum Circular held at Malacañang on Monday, Marcos emphasized, “No Filipino should go to bed hungry.”
Boosting Farmer Market Access
The program, an extension of efforts started in 2016, focuses on improving farm productivity by connecting local farmers and fisherfolk to larger markets. “Through this, we can ensure secure income and access to nutritious food for our children and the most vulnerable,” Marcos stated. The initiative seeks to augment food availability by harmonizing projects across different government levels and with international partners.
Coalition Secures PhP200M Deals
A coalition comprising 34 partners, including national agencies and international organizations, has been established to bolster efforts toward achieving zero hunger. This collaboration has already facilitated over PhP200 million in sales and contracts for 122 community-based organizations (CBOs) as of May 2024. President Marcos highlighted the critical role of credit and insurance assistance in empowering these CBOs.
Tech Innovation for Food Access
Technology innovations like the Digital Mapping System, developed in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, enable more efficient connections between food producers and programs run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). A newly formed 14-member Steering Committee, chaired by the DSWD Secretary, will oversee the program’s implementation, ensuring strategic leadership and accountability.
“EPAHP’s Historical Roots
The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty traces its roots back to an alliance between the DSWD, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Agrarian Reform. In 2019, this initiative evolved into its current form, now playing a pivotal role in Marcos’s renewed campaign against poverty. By linking diverse sectors and leveraging technological advancements, the EPAHP aims not only to combat immediate hunger but also to pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices in the Philippines.
PHOTO: PCO
