The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) successfully conducted a coordination meeting today, May 16, 2024 at Go Hotels, Butuan City. This meeting brought together validated and qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) from Butuan City in preparation for the pilot implementation of the Negotiated Procurement – Community Participation as the mode of procurement for programs of the agency.

To provide important guidance to the participants, the DSWD Internal Convergence Team was present, headed by Focal Persons Ma. Lea Alegarbes (Supplementary Feeding Program), Ryan Piamonte (Procurement Section Head), Gretchen Escala (Accounting Section Head), Marissa Garay Center Head-Home for Girls), and Cheril Jorta (EPAHP Focal Person – Home For Girls). The group was also joined by EPAHP partner-agency representatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform EPAHP and the Department of Agriculture.

The forum aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the procurement process, discuss strategies for effective collaboration, and address any potential challenges. By engaging these community organizations, the initiative seeks to enhance local participation and support in addressing hunger and poverty – especially in implementing the programs and services of the government.