DSWD Boosts Central Luzon Communities with P35 Million in Contracts
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has awarded a total of P35 million in contracts to 107 community-based organizations (CBOs) in Central Luzon. This significant financial assistance, distributed last year, is part of the agency's Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program, which aims to connect local producers with institutional markets.
Empowering Local Producers and Enhancing Food Security
The EPAHP program, piloted in 2016 and institutionalized in 2019 through a national memorandum of understanding led by DSWD, is designed to strengthen food and nutrition security, improve livelihoods, and empower communities in the ongoing fight against hunger. According to DSWD, EPAHP is a sustainable anti-hunger initiative that focuses on creating livelihood and employment opportunities rather than providing handouts.
"This is not a dole out mentality," the agency emphasized. "EPAHP empowers cooperatives and farmers’ organizations by linking them directly to institutional markets such as DSWD centers, local government units (LGUs), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)."
Steady Supply for Government Programs
The contracts are expected to ensure a steady supply of fresh food for various government-supported programs, including supplemental feeding initiatives, residential care facilities, and other social welfare projects. DSWD highlighted that this approach not only supports local economies but also meets the government's demand for fresh produce.
"We link farmers, fisherfolk, and small vendors to the market," the agency added. "Even the government has demand for fresh produce, and our CBOs are now supplying supplemental feeding programs and residential care facilities."
By fostering these connections, EPAHP continues to play a crucial role in enhancing community resilience and promoting sustainable development in Central Luzon and beyond.
