The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 – Central Visayas, through the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program, conducted its first Regional Convergence Team (RCT) Partners’ Quarterly Meeting on March 20–21, 2025, at the ATI-RCT 7 Training Complex in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Twenty-Six (26) partner government agencies gathered to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and reinforce regional efforts in addressing hunger and poverty.

It served as a platform to align discussions and agreements from the EPAHP National Convergence Team (NCT) and Steering Committee (SC) meetings while fostering information exchange on each agency’s programs and services contributing to EPAHP Program implementation.

The meeting aimed to gather essential data on the demand requirements for the institutional feeding program and the current procurement procedures, which are crucial for ensuring smooth and efficient program execution.

The primary outcome of the meeting is the development of a strategic plan for the regional implementation of EPAHP Program. All relevant information discussed will be shared with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) involved in the program to empower local communities and promote inclusive, sustainable development.

The quarterly meeting also enables implementing agencies to guide local offices and agencies in better executing the programs that directly benefit the CBOs. Regular updates among partners are essential in working together to achieve the program’s objectives.

The collaborative efforts of EPAHP Program partners aim to create greater synergy and convergence in engaging rural communities, enhancing social capital, and optimizing economic resources through supplementary feeding and other government programs, food production initiatives, and essential support services, including the participation of CBOs in government procurement as partners and/or service providers.

Walang Gutom Program

Meanwhile, DSWD Field Office 7 Retailer Management Officer Joeven Gigantone discussed the Walang Gutom Program during the EPAHP’s first quarterly meeting.

Gigantone emphasized that collaboration with other government agencies is vital in ensuring effective program implementation as it strengthens resource sharing, harmonizes efforts, and maximizes impact on the communities served.

The Regional Program Management Office is expanding partnerships with various agencies, cooperatives, and private sector entities to ensure a stable and sufficient food supply for beneficiaries to support the food redemption aspect of the Walang Gutom Program.

By strengthening these partnerships, the program aims to ensure that food stamps can be redeemed quickly and efficiently, providing nutritious meals for low-income families while also supporting local farmers, fisherfolk, and small businesses.

The EPAHP Program and the Walang Gutom Program are both initiatives under the Innovations Division of the respective DSWD field offices. They work together to achieve the common goals of food security, poverty reduction, and community empowerment.

As of March 2025, the EPAHP Program has endorsed a total of 20 CBOs as partner retailers for the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program. Of this number, 11 are from Negros Oriental, while nine are in Cebu Province. ###

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