The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI, through its Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), has continuously collaborated with various local government units (LGUs) in pursuit of its commitment to achieving Zero Hunger by 2028. This collaboration aims to connect Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) and other Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) as potential suppliers for the LGUs.

The adoption of Community Participation in Procurement and the integration of CBOs into established markets are pivotal strategies within EPAHP. These measures are designed to provide support to local farmers and generate income for them. This strategy serves as a gateway for CBOs to secure contracts as government suppliers, enabling them to solidify their group identity, attain sustainable income, and unlock further opportunities for growth. Ultimately, these efforts aim to bolster community capacity, enhance the lives of community members, and foster greater trust and confidence in the government.

During the month of August 2023, the EPAHP RPMO, led by Regional Program Coordinator Angelie R. Darilay, conducted dialogues with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Davao de Oro and various LGUs, including New Bataan, Asuncion, Maco, Carmen, Bansalan, IGACOS, Malita, and Jose Abad Santos. As a result, these LGUs, recognizing their role as development partners in program implementation, committed to supporting these strategies by issuing Sangguniang Bayan Resolutions or Executive Orders. Additionally, for this year’s DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program implementation, the LGUs pledged to maximize the use of locally produced rice, vegetables, eggs, and meats from community suppliers.

Furthermore, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI, an active member of the Regional Convergence Team, issued a memorandum to Local Government Units encouraging the Adoption of Community Participation in Procurement in accordance with Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution No. 18 S. 2021.

EPAHP stands as the flagship program of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger (IATF-ZH), with the overarching goal of eradicating hunger, ensuring food and nutrition security, and reducing poverty in both urban and rural communities. This ambitious objective is to be realized through the synergistic and convergent efforts of essential services. ###