President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating hunger in the Philippines on Monday, noting that “no Filipino should go to bed hungry.”
During the ceremonial signing of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Joint Memorandum Circular, President Marcos urged all government agencies and local government units to implement EPAHP as a step toward zero hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
“This coalition commits to making zero hunger a reality,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We have yet to achieve zero hunger. But your dedication to this mission assures me that we are all united in this effort, ready to build a better nation for all, especially for those who need it the most,” he added.
The initiative, launched at Malacañang, builds upon a program initially started in 2016 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to address hunger and poverty.
Expanded in 2019, the program has evolved into the EPAHP, now involving 34 national and international partners.
By connecting farmers, fisherfolk, and other food producers with larger markets and government feeding programs, the partnership aims to increase income and ensure vulnerable communities have access to nutritious food.
President Marcos cited recent successes, including 200 million pesos in contracts generated between government feeding programs and CBOs, thanks to strengthened community partnerships.
The new Digital Mapping System, developed with the support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, will help further connect local producers with potential markets.
The President also announced the formation of a 14-member EPAHP Steering Committee, chaired by the DSWD Secretary, to ensure leadership and accountability within the program. Quarterly monitoring and evaluations will track progress and resource allocation.
