“SYNERGY IN ACTION: The DSWD FO VIII EPAHP RPMO Hosting of the National Convergence Team on Crafting of EPAHP Joint Memorandum Circular."
The vitality of crafting a Joint Memorandum Circular for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty is instrumental as it will allow the EPAHP Partner Agencies to effectively implement their EPAHP-related programs and services, as their roles and responsibilities are in details, preventing overlapping program implementation, resulting to efficient resource utilization and program impact felt by the program beneficiaries.
The DSWD FO VIII EPAHP RPMO successfully hosted this year's National Convergence Team Writeshop titled “SYNERGY IN ACTION: National Convergence Team Writeshop on the crafting of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program Joint Memorandum Circular,” activity.
The weeklong event was spearheaded by DSWD EPAHP NPMO, conducted last July 16-19, 2024 at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City. Attended by DSWD Undersecretary Eduardo M. Punay, Asec. Baldr H. Bringas, the EPAHP Regional Program Coordinators (RPC), Tacloban City Councilor Leo O. Bahin, Land Bank of the Philippines, Assistant Vice-President Danilo D. Crobalde, BJMP Central Office, Jail Senior Superintendent Lorelina Ando-Mina, NAPC Undersecretary Girlie E. Amarillo, PCIC Department Manager III Israel Q. Dela Cruz, CHED RO VIII Regional Director Maximo C. Aljibe, DAR RO VIII Regional Director Atty. Robert P. Yu, UN World Food Program Policy Officer Toshio Murakami, and the different national agencies focal of EPAHP and IATF-Zero Hunger.
The writeshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders and experts to collaborate on developing a comprehensive strategy to combat hunger and poverty in the country. Attendees included representatives from various government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, all working towards a common goal of creating sustainable solutions for food security and poverty alleviation. The event fostered a collaborative environment, encouraging open dialogue and exchange of innovative ideas.
The activity was instrumental in drafting a Joint Memorandum Circular that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each participating entity in the EPAHP program. This document serves as a guiding framework to ensure cohesive and coordinated efforts in implementing the program's initiatives. Participants engaged in detailed discussions and brainstorming sessions throughout the workshop, identifying key challenges and potential interventions.
The writeshop outcomes are expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the EPAHP program, ultimately contributing to improved livelihoods and well-being for the communities in the country. The event underscored the importance of synergy and collective action in addressing complex social issues like poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.
The event also featured Region VIII handicrafts, delicacies, and souvenir items produced by Community-Based Organizations in Leyte. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was initiated by Usec. Punay, Asec. Bringas, and RD Grace Q. Subong. The EPAHP RPMO’s milestones and accomplishments were highlighted in the AVR presentation and displayed at the EPAHP Booth. During the solidarity night, the rich culture of Eastern Visayas was showcased with performances by the Leyte Normal University Dance Troupe, featuring Waray-waray folk songs and traditional dances like the Kuratsa Mayor and Minor.
The success of this activity hinges on the dedicated and collective efforts of the entire DSWD FO VIII team, particularly the FO’s EPAHP NCT Hosting Technical Working Group (TWG).