The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) in Bicol Region, headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as lead agency, held the Ceremonial Signing of the EPAHP Regional Memorandum of Understanding at A and A Bed and Breakfast Inn, Legazpi City, Albay on April 5, 2024.

DSWD’s EPAHP is the national government’s convergence program in line with the United Nations’ 2nd Sustainable Development Goal: Zero Hunger, and the Philippines’ AmBisyon Natin 2040 that aims to end hunger and poverty. The program aims to address food insecurity in the country, mitigate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

The Ceremonial Signing of the EPAHP Regional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was held to formally renew the commitments, roles, and responsibilities of participating agencies to the program as well as welcome new partners. The Regional Memorandum of Agreement came to fruition through a year-long collaboration between participating agencies.

Agencies participating in EPAHP attended the ceremony: Department of Interior Local Government, Department of Agrarian Reform, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Health, National Nutrition Council, Department of Education, Landbank, Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Agriculture (DA), DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, DA-Agricultural Training Institute, DA-National Dairy Authority, DA-National Irrigation Administration, DA-National Food Authority, Commission on Population and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, National Anti-Poverty Commission and the newest addition to the program, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute.

Regional Director Norman S. Laurio in his message, called for an intensified collaboration between government agencies to address poverty in Bicol Region, as DSWD recognizes the need for a Whole of Nation approach in fighting against hunger and poverty. He shared that EPAHP is a key program to addressing hunger and poverty issues in Bicol Region.

The activity concluded with the messages of support by participating agencies and their signing of the EPAHP Wall of Commitment and Support.