The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program facilitated its Year -End Planning Workshop, participated by the members of the Regional Convergence Team on November 14-15, 2024 at the Watergate Hotel, Butuan City.

To kickstart the 2-day long activity, the EPAHP secretariat facilitated the ceremonial opening program, together with representatives from the Regional Convergence Team, at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga Covered Court, where community-based organization (CBO) partners showcased their produce.

DSWD Field Office Caraga Chief Administrative Officer Ramil Taculod delivered the opening message during the ceremony, highlighting the importance of a stronger, more concerted approach in delivering effective social safety nets by empowering local communities through sustainable agriculture, and fostering partnerships that address the root causes of food insecurity.

During the workshop proper held at the Watergate Hotel, EPAHP Regional Program Coordinator Christian Joe Anipan apprised members of the Convergence Team of the status of the program. Recently, the EPAHP program has facilitated a series of marketing agreements between CBOs and demand partners. Through proper planning, the EPAHP hopes to continue this success in 2025.

The EPAHP Program executes a collaborative initiative involving national government agencies tasked with addressing hunger and poverty. The primary objective is to enable CBOs to function as suppliers for government procurement needs, especially in its feeding programs, fostering self-sufficiency and contributing to the overarching goals of alleviating hunger and poverty in the Philippines.