General Santos City, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 have reinforced their collaboration to enhance Business Development Services (BDS) for people’s organizations (POs) supported under the DENR’s Biodiversity-friendly Enterprises (BDFE) and related programs.
The partnership was formalized on Thursday, February 20, with the ceremonial signing of an addendum to the regional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This addendum builds upon the agreement signed last year among DSWD, other national government agencies, non-government organizations, and local government units under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP).
EPAHP is a flagship initiative of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger, designed to institutionalize efforts to reduce hunger and promote food and nutrition security. It aims to link Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) with potential markets, enabling them to sustain and expand their economic activities.
Atty. Felix S. Alicer, DENR-12 Regional Executive Director, emphasized the importance of the collaboration in advancing the administration’s ‘whole-of-government approach’ to service delivery. “This initiative is in furtherance of the administration’s ‘whole-of-government approach’ to deliver services that uplift the quality of life of our beneficiaries. It will also help our POs by linking their products directly with prospective markets, which is one of the program’s main objectives,” Alicer stated.
Through this strengthened partnership, DENR-12 aims to endorse POs engaged in the BDFE Development, Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM), National Greening Program (NGP), and other environmental initiatives. These groups will gain access to EPAHP’s support mechanisms, including capacity-building, market linkage opportunities, and enterprise development assistance.
The event marked a key milestone in supporting three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Philippine government’s long-term vision, ‘Ambisyon Natin 2040.’ By enhancing business development services, strengthening market linkages, and fostering community-based enterprises, the initiative contributes to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
With the collaboration between DENR and DSWD, POs in Region 12 are expected to benefit from improved economic opportunities while promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
