The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA facilitated the signing and renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) together with the Regional Convergence Team (RCT) with the event themed “United for A Future without Hunger: A Commitment to Dignity and Empowerment” on March 19, 2025, at Tiara Oriental Hotel, Makati City.

Present during signing of the Memorandum of Understanding were heads/ representatives of the following government agencies Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), National Dairy Authority (NDA), National Food Authority (NFA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-RTC), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), NCIP, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), PCCU UPLB, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Lead Convenor and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Lope B. Santos III, was also present during the ceremonial MOU signing.

The amended MOU emphasizes convergence and strengthened collaboration to combat hunger and poverty, focusing on empowering indigenous communities, improving urban poor conditions, and advancing sustainable development.

It further adds three national agencies—National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)—expanding the team’s reach to address diverse regional issues.

 

DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director and EPAHP RCT Chairperson Leonardo C. Reynoso giving his welcoming remarks.

DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director and EPAHP RCT Chairperson, Leonardo C. Reynoso, CESO III expressed hopes for a clearer collaboration framework and enhanced EPAHP capacity through the updated MOU.

NAPC Secretary Lope B. Santos III delivering his message of support.

NAPC Secretary Lope B. Santos III gave his support and commitment, highlights that part of the program’s goals is the promotion and patronage of community-based and local products.

“Ito pong project na ito ay babalik doon sa ating mga magsasaka…uunlad ang ating mga sektor at the same time, masusuportahan natin ang mga small at medium enterprises”, NAPC Sec. Santos said. He also added that the EPAHP is an example of a very good convergence framework.

DSWD through EPAHP continues to venture into collaborative efforts to increase farm productivity and income, ensure food and nutrition security, and mitigate hunger and malnutrition in urban and rural communities.