MANILA — Malacañang on Sunday issued a directive mandating all government agencies and local government units to enhance their support for a key anti-hunger initiative. Memorandum Circular No. 47, signed on April 19 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, specifically calls for robust participation in the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program.
According to Philippines News Agency, the EPAHP program, which is a principal initiative of the Task Force on Zero Hunger, seeks to institutionalize efforts to curb hunger and enhance food and nutrition security. The program aims to connect community-based organizations with potential markets and provide them with credit assistance for food production, processing, and distribution.
The directive underscores the necessity for all government entities to actively engage in the EPAHP program to boost the government's capacity to achieve zero hunger, ensure food and nutrition security, and promote sustainable agriculture. The Task Force on Zero Hunger is charged with overseeing the program's consistent and effective implementation in collaboration with pertinent government agencies.
Furthermore, the task force is expected to improve the provision of farm production technologies and extend services to government-supported family farms and rural organizations. It also aims to increase the sustainability of the EPAHP program by fostering private sector involvement, establishing relevant policies in local government units, and encouraging community participation in procurement processes. The memorandum also includes directives for the construction, repair, and enhancement of irrigation facilities and related structures in rural areas.