Malacañang has called for a unified government approach to intensify efforts in ending hunger and ensuring food security across the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. According to a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 19, all government agencies were directed, and local government units were encouraged, to support the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program.
The EPAHP, initiated by the Task Force on Zero Hunger, aims to reduce hunger and improve food security by linking community-based organizations with potential markets and offering credit assistance to support food production, processing, and distribution. The memorandum emphasized the importance of all government agencies supporting the effective implementation of the EPAHP Program to boost efforts toward achieving zero hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
A Social Weather Station (SWS) survey from December last year showed that the number of Filipino families who experienced involuntary hunger—going hungry without having food at least once in the previous three months—rose from 9.8% in September 2023 to 12.6% in December 2023. The increase in hunger was seen across all regions except Metro Manila.
To combat hunger, the task force was directed to ensure the continued and effective implementation of the EPAHP Program and to work with relevant government agencies on additional measures. These efforts include strengthening feeding programs with partner agencies, providing credit assistance to support food production, processing, and distribution through government financial institutions, and connecting community-based organizations (CBOs) to new market opportunities.
The task force is also tasked with improving farm technology and services for government-supported family farms and rural organizations. It aims to secure the sustainability of the EPAHP Program by encouraging private sector involvement and establishing systems within local government units (LGUs). Task force is directed to adopt Community Participation Procurement to involve CBOs in the program and to build, repair, and improve irrigation facilities in rural areas.
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