THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Region XII recently formalized a collaboration with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), National Nutrition Council (NNC), and San Miguel Foods through the signing of a Marketing Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership aims to enhance efforts to combat hunger and poverty in the Soccsksargen region.
This initiative is part of the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program, a government strategy addressing food security, hunger, and poverty through the coordinated delivery of essential services by various government agencies.
Undersecretary for Support Services Rowena Niña Taduran emphasized that the program enables agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) to provide agricultural products and food commodities to partner agencies and institutions. This ensures farmers access to a steady and fair-priced market, boosting their income and financial stability.
“This initiative is a critical part of the government’s mission to alleviate hunger and poverty, aligned with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s target of reducing poverty by 2028,” Taduran stated.
She also commended Region XII for its dedication to this cause and encouraged continued support for the program to maximize its impact on the beneficiaries.
As part of the event, a “Kumustahan” session was held, allowing stakeholders to address pressing issues and concerns regarding existing or potential marketing agreements, ensuring more effective program implementation.
The signing of the MOU and Marketing Agreement marked a significant milestone in the partnership, solidifying collective efforts to fight hunger and poverty across the region.