By Rocky E. Bautista
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — To help end hunger and lift vulnerable families out of poverty, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 has joined forces with 25 government agencies under a renewed partnership that links local farmers directly to government feeding programs.
Through the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), agencies signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on October 24 in Bauang, La Union, committing to strengthen coordination and maximize resources to promote food security and sustainable livelihoods across the Ilocos Region.
Stronger ties for food security
The EPAHP serves as a convergence platform connecting community-based organizations (CBOs), farmers’ groups, and cooperatives with government institutions that implement feeding and nutrition programs.
Under the initiative, local producers will supply fresh goods such as rice, vegetables, fish, and meat to schools, jails, hospitals, and other facilities—ensuring a steady market for farmers and fisherfolk while improving access to nutritious meals for communities in need.
“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to end hunger and uplift the lives of our most vulnerable sectors,” said DSWD Field Office 1 Director Marie Angela Gopalan, who thanked partner agencies for renewing their cooperation.
“Our partners continue to be inspired to do more in empowering our community-based organizations,” she added.
Expanding collaboration and impact
Building on the earlier Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) spearheaded by the Departments of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Agriculture (DA), and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the enhanced version expands collaboration to more sectors and institutions.
The renewed partnership also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—as well as the AmBisyon Natin 2040 vision of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay for every Filipino.
Participating agencies include the DAR, DA, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Cooperative Development Authority, and several other regional offices and attached agencies.
Together, they aim to implement joint initiatives such as institutional feeding programs, nutrition improvement projects, and livelihood support for local producers.
A sustainable cycle of growth
Through EPAHP, the government envisions a sustainable cycle that connects local food production with public demand—reducing waste, dependency, and poverty while promoting self-sufficiency.
These coordinated efforts are expected to boost household income, enhance nutrition, and strengthen community resilience in the region.
With continued collaboration and local empowerment, the enhanced partnership aims to make the Ilocos Region hunger-free and poverty-resilient in the years ahead. (AMB/REB, PIA Ilocos Region)
