Davao City, February 6, 2025 – In a significant move towards addressing hunger and poverty in the region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD XI), the National Irrigation Administration XI (NIA XI), and the Department of Health—Davao Regional Medical Center (DOH-DRMC) renewed their commitment through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program.
The signing ceremony took place at the NIA XI Compound in Davao City, solidifying the ongoing collaboration between the agencies. The MOA was signed by key officials, including DSWD XI OIC-Regional Director Merlinda A. Paragamac, represented by OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Administration Mia Dulce Corazon Vergara-Monesit, DSWD XI OIC-Chief of Innovations Division Anne Y. Jickain, NIA XI Regional Manager Engr. Jimmy L. Apostol, and DOH-DRMC Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Marvin V. Bohol. Also present was DavNor Irrigation Management Office Acting Division Manager Engr. Nelson L. Sahot.
This renewed partnership underscores the commitment of all parties to enhancing food security and providing economic opportunities in rural communities. The EPAHP program aims to alleviate hunger and poverty by integrating sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and livelihood initiatives. Through this agreement, the agencies will collaborate to implement programs that directly benefit vulnerable sectors, including smallholder farmers and marginalized communities in the Davao Region.
“This MOA renewal reaffirms our collective effort to address the root causes of hunger and poverty through sustainable interventions,” said NIA XI Regional Manager Engr. Jimmy L. Apostol. “By strengthening our synergy, we can enhance food production, improve health outcomes, and empower communities toward self-sufficiency.”
The partnership will focus on expanding agricultural productivity through irrigation projects, enhancing access to nutritious food, and supporting local farmers in market integration. Additionally, health and nutrition initiatives will be prioritized to ensure holistic community development.
With this renewed commitment, DSWD XI, NIA XI, and DOH-DRMC aim to reinforce government-led initiatives that foster inclusive growth, strengthen food security, and uplift the socio-economic conditions of the Davao Region’s most vulnerable populations. The agreement marks a crucial step in sustaining and expanding efforts to eradicate hunger and promote economic resilience in the region.