Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led the successful online launch of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program in Region 11 (Davao Region) last Wednesday, November 18, 2020, with the Malacañang official declaring “this program is one of the key pillars of the Duterte administration in its fight against hunger and poverty in the entire country.”
Nograles, chair of Task Force Zero Hunger and head of the National Irrigation Administration Board, thanked the NIA for conducting 12 EPAHP program orientations in different regions starting May of this year.
The program is tied to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, and related issuances of President Rodrigo Duterte, which are all aimed at reducing poverty incidence to 14% before his term ends.
“The agency’s initiatives were instrumental in imparting knowledge, skills, and a solid coordination network to farmers. NIA was able to tap various Irrigators’ Associations in this campaign, and we expect to see the positive results of this effort very soon.”
The online EPAHP launch was attended by NIA Administrator General Ricardo Visaya (Ret.), Institutional Development Division Manager Dr. Leo Gallego, Regional Manager Engr. Jimmy Apostol, Division Manager Salome Layasan, Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Ricardo Oňate, Provincial Agricultural Officer Rotchie Ravelo, Municipal Agriculturists from Banay-Banay and Lupon Ester Solamo and Victor Joecel Romas, DILG Regional Director Alex Roldan, DAR Regional Director Joseph Orilla, DSWD Regional Director Raquel Nuñez, DOH Regional Director Dr. Abdullah Dumada, Jr., DOST Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales, DTI Regional Director Maria Belenda Ambi, TESDA Regional Director Engr. Lorenzo Macapili, DA Regional Field Office Executive Director Engr. Ricardo Oñate, NFA Provincial Manager Jubane Bandoquillo, Philippine Army Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sonny Gonzales, officers and members of 26 Federations and Irrigators Associations, as well as representatives from different national, regional and provincial government offices.
The EPAHP program aims to increase agricultural production, augment the incomes of farmers and various agricultural sector workers, ensure food security, and directly address the twin issues of hunger and poverty.
“Through EPAHP, our partner agencies are able to directly offer assistance to farmers and community-based organizations in areas of market access, credit assistance, food production training, and networking,” Nograles said.
“Through EPAHP, our partner agencies are able to directly offer assistance to farmers and community-based organizations in areas of market access, credit assistance, food production training, and networking.”
The program is tied to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, and related issuances of President Rodrigo Duterte, which are all aimed at reducing poverty incidence to 14% before his term ends.
According to the Cab Sec, EPAHP enjoys the full support and participation of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Commission on Population and Development (PopCom), Landbank of the Philippines, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).
“We’re strongly encouraged by the eagerness of all participants, especially farmers’ groups and Irrigators ’Associations. They are also addressing both the demand and support sides of the program. Our immediate thrust is to help increase farm production and keep a steady food supply that’s easily accessible and distributable. Without these, we cannot effectively address hunger.”
“2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we were able to accelerate our efforts in the EPAHP program. Our success will be measured by how we have made positive changes to our stakeholders in the agri sector and to what extent we have improved their lives and livelihoods,” Nograles explained.