With just over 12 months left in office, the Duterte administration is embarking on a “legacy" roadshow to highlight its achievements in fighting poverty and hunger in the country. 

The first "pamana" event was kicked off in Butuan City Thursday as part of the activities lined up ahead of President Duterte's sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA), according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.

Speaking at the "Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series," Nograles highlighted the government's efforts in addressing poverty, improving food security and nutrition in the country especially during the pandemic.

"Through this initiative, we (shall) inform the various regions and provinces of the administration's accomplishments in the areas of poverty alleviation, nutrition supplementation and the fight against hunger during this health emergency," said Nograles, also chair of the government task force on zero hunger, during the event Thursday, April 15.

Among the programs cited by Nograles were the Enhanced Program Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program as well as the National Food Policy that includes initiatives for ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.

"For instance, we pushed for the planting of the Adlay rice variety in Caraga as an alternative food and income source for farmers, indigenous peoples (IPs) and former rebels, and we covered Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) to comprehensively address hunger and poverty in the region," he said.

He noted that the task force was also working closely with the private sector to help feed families under the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom initiative.

He said the anti-hunger campaign has "achieved a lot" but recognized the the fight was not yet over.

"We have achieved a lot, but of course this process is a continining one. Hunger, malnutrition and food security are everyday concerns that's why we need to address these problems both immediately and in the long-term," he said.

"Kailangan natin magtulungan (We must help each other). We won't stop. That's our commitment to the Filipino people," he added.

Nograles said his office was working closely with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), chairpersons of the Cabinet Clusters, Cabinet members and the Office of the Executive Secretary for the Pamana series. 

President Duterte, elected in 2016 on a promise to eliminate illegal drugs and corruption, will end his single, six-year term next year.Attachments area