The Regional Convergence Team (RCT) of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger & Poverty (EPAHP) Region VIII convened for its 1st Quarterly Meeting last May 17, 2024, at Sophias Way Event Center, Sagkahan Tacloban City. The event showcased the Team’s performance during the calendar year 2023 from which the EPAHP RO VIII was awarded as the 2nd with most implemented and monitored Project Convergence Budgeting (PCB) programs of all regions. The introduction of new DSWD programs such as the Food Stamp Program and the Project BINHI & LAWA for the team’s role in the program implementation. The event likewise, cascaded the usage of the EPAHP RCT Performance Output Template aimed to measure the RCT’s effectiveness on its programs and services implementation related to EPAHP. The hindrances faced by the EPAHP RCT’s partner agencies were gathered, and issues related to EPAHP implementation were answered and clarified, the dialogue provides clarifications and what long-term solutions should be crafted such as policies for Community-Based Organization's requirements, payments, and supports through the Negotiated Procurement/Community Participation procurement modality.
The activity was graced by the DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Antonio R. Dolaota, where he acknowledge and commend the RCT for their attendance of the activity despite their busy schedules, which shows their commitment to the IATF-ZH and EPAHP. The Promotive Division Chief Natividad G. Sequito wherein she emphasized the significance of EPAHP being a body composed of different National Government Agencies to fulfill the government’s mandate to eliminate hunger and poverty in our country. Also present was the Co-Chair of the Inter-Agency Task-Force Zero Hunger (IATF-ZH) the Regional Nutrition Coordinator (RNC) Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr., who delivered his closing message where he put weights on the harmonization of plans of each partner agencies on their programs and services in line with the three burden of the country; poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. The activity also resulted in the creation of the RCT Resolution endorsing ten (10) CBOs for registration in the Digital Mapping System (DMS).
The successful event is a manifestation of synergy, commitment, and hope. A determined effort towards the achievement of the cause through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) No. 17 “Partnership for the Goals,” one of the anchored principles of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger & Poverty (EPAHP) Regional Convergence Team.