overty, the DILG 5 and DSWD 5, alongside other participating agencies, have signed the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Regional Memorandum of Understanding on April 5, 2024, in Legazpi City. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among EPAHP regional partners to engage rural communities, enhance social capital, and optimize the economic resource base.

Present during the ceremonial signing were DILG 5 ARD Jhoaden G. Lucero, DSWD RD Norman S. Laurio, along with representatives from partner agencies CDA, DTI, DA-BFAR, DA, DA-ATI, DOST, TESDA, BJMP, NNC, DOH, DA-NDA, DepEd, DSWD, DILG, NIA, DAR, DA-NFA, PhilRice, NAPC, CPD, PCIC, and LBP.

The primary objective of this agreement is to alleviate hunger, ensure food and nutrition security, and diminish poverty in both urban and rural communities, including marginalized populations. It is designed to support the national government’s initiatives in addressing hunger and poverty by facilitating synergy and convergence among essential services provided by EPAHP Regional Partners, ultimately benefiting the country’s poorer sectors.