The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program, spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is a holistic approach aimed at boosting food and nutrition security across the Philippines. Designed to link community-based organizations (CBOs) to potential markets, this program enhances food production, processing, and distribution through strategic collaborations with government financial institutions like LandBank.
By providing credit assistance and market access, EPAHP strives to foster sustainable livelihoods and ensure a steady supply of nutritious food for urban and rural communities, including those that are often marginalized. Participants can expect benefits such as technological support, infrastructure development, and expert guidance to improve agricultural practices. Whether you’re part of a family farm, a rural-based organization, or an agricultural cooperative, EPAHP opens the door to numerous opportunities to combat hunger and achieve greater food security.

Understanding the EPAHP Program
The EPAHP program was conceived as a multifaceted approach to strengthen food and nutrition security in urban and rural communities, including marginalized ones. Its key strategy involves linking community-based organizations (CBOs) to potential markets, thereby enhancing food production, processing, and distribution. By facilitating better market access and providing credit assistance through partnerships with government financial institutions like Landbank, the program aims to create sustainable livelihoods and ensure a steady supply of nutritious food.
Legal Foundations and Support
Rooted in Memorandum Circular No. 47 issued by Malacañang, the EPAHP program has a strong legal basis mandating all government agencies and instrumentalities to contribute actively to this cause. The directive ensures a unified government approach, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across various sectors to combat hunger and poverty effectively.
Benefits of Participating in the EPAHP Program
Participants in the EPAHP program can expect numerous benefits, including:
- Access to Credit Facilities: Financial support for enhancing agricultural productivity and food processing ventures.
- Market Linkages: Assistance in connecting with viable markets to sell produce effectively.
- Technological and Extension Services: Provision of modern farming technologies and expert guidance to improve agricultural practices.
- Infrastructure Development: Support in building and refurbishing necessary infrastructures like irrigation, which is important for agricultural activities.
Who Can Join?
Eligibility for the EPAHP program is generally open to:
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Family farms and rural-based organizations
- Agricultural cooperatives looking to expand their market reach and production capabilities
Application Requirements
To participate in the EPAHP program, interested entities need to:
- Register with the DSWD or associated government bodies
- Submit a proposal outlining their business model and how it aligns with the goals of the EPAHP
- Demonstrate capability and experience in agricultural practices or related fields
How to Benefit from the EPAHP Program: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Learn About the Program: Visit the DSWD website or contact their regional offices to get detailed information about the EPAHP.
- Assess Your Eligibility: Ensure that your organization or cooperative meets the necessary criteria.
- Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather all required documents, including business plans and proof of prior activities.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the application form and submit it along with the required documents to the designated agency.
- Participate in Related Trainings: Attend workshops or training sessions organized by the DSWD or partner agencies.
- Implement the Project: Once approved, commence your project in line with the agreed terms and guidelines.
- Monitor and Report: Regularly monitor the progress and provide reports to the DSWD or the overseeing body.
Recent Updates
DSWD Presides the 5th Meeting of Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Assistant Secretary for Innovations Atty. Baldr. H Bringas, chaired the 5th Regular Meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger (IATF-ZH) in Quezon City. The meeting focused on improving the National Food Policy and updating member-agencies’ programs and projects related to zero hunger, with a draft resolution designating DSWD as the lead agency in the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program.
Malacañang Calls for Government-Wide Approach to Eradicate Hunger
In an effort to combat hunger and ensure food security in the Philippines, Malacañang has urged all government agencies and instrumentalities to support the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program. The program, under the Task Force on Zero Hunger, aims to link community-based organizations to markets and provide credit assistance for food production, processing, and distribution. This comes in response to a Social Weather Station survey revealing an increase in the number of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger. (GMA News Online)
DSWD Welcomes Palace Directive to Support Anti-Hunger and Poverty Programs
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed its gratitude for the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 47 by Malacañang, which directs all government agencies and instrumentalities to support the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, representing the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger, acknowledged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recognition of the importance of EPAHP’s efforts.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to actively support efforts aimed at mitigating hunger and improving nutrition in the country. The directive focuses on implementing the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program, which aims to link community-based organizations to markets and provide credit assistance for food production, processing, and distribution, in order to achieve zero hunger and food security. (Manila Bulletin)
Video: Digital Mapping System of the DSWD Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has introduced the Digital Mapping System (DMS) as part of the EPAHP Program to enhance food security systems in the country. The DMS, funded by the FAO, aims to link Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) with institutional markets, increasing agricultural production and income for farmers. With features like a Geographic Information System, the DMS enables spatial analysis for better resource allocation and fosters a digitalized food supply and demand system.
Conclusion
The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty program represents a strategic effort by the Philippine government to tackle significant societal issues through cooperation and resource sharing. By understanding and participating in this program, communities and organizations can contribute to a sustainable future where hunger and poverty are no longer prevalent concerns.