ATI XI participated in the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Midyear Assessment and Planning Workshop at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Mindanao Training Center on August 2, 2024 as key stakeholders gathered together to review the progress and strategize for the programs and activities for the upcoming semester.
The event, facilitated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI and NIA Region XI, showcased the commitment and collaborative efforts of regional partners, including the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) XI represented by ATI-RTC XI Assistant Center Director, Ms. Olivia Gatus.
The workshop aimed to present the first-semester accomplishments of each participating agency and outline plans for the second semester. Among the attendees were DSWD Regional Director Atty. Vanessa Goc-ong, who praised the EPAHP Davao team, led by Angie Rodriguez, for securing a national top award in EPAHP implementation. NIA XI Director Jimmy Apostol also offered messages of support.
The event brought together representatives from various agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), ATI, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Education (DepEd), and NIA. These agencies are integral to the convergence against hunger and poverty.
During the collaborative discussions, the Regional Convergence Team (RCT) identified several key activities for the second semester. These included Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation, the EPAHP Caravan, integration of Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, development of a regional mapping system, environmental projects, and the incorporation of each agency's programs into the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition.
The workshop emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and assessment, serving as a platform for agencies to commit to continuous data collection and analysis. The goal is to evaluate the impact and efficiency of the EPAHP program on target beneficiaries while fostering strong partnerships among stakeholders.
Atty. Vanessa Goc-ong challenged the RCT members to revisit their implementation strategies and seek innovative ways to address poverty and malnutrition in the region. She also proposed that future activities highlight best practices for replication, particularly those demonstrating effectiveness and efficiency.
The EPAHP program, a key initiative under the National Food Policy, aims to combat hunger and poverty through the synergy of essential services provided by its partners. The workshop underscored the commitment of ATI XI and other stakeholders to the program's success and the broader goal of sustainable development.
This collaborative effort reflects the collective dedication to creating lasting impacts on communities and achieving the shared vision of a hunger-free and poverty-reduced region.
