While stating that the Philippines has yet to achieve zero hunger, President Marcos reiterated that no Filipino will be overlooked in the government's fight against hunger and poverty.

Marcos said this during the presentation of the signed Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) joint memorandum circular at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, Oct. 28.

"[W]e gather to renew a promise: that no Filipino should go to bed hungry, and that no community will be overlooked in our fight against poverty," the President said.

"We have yet to achieve zero hunger. But your dedication to this mission assures me that we are all united in this effort, ready to build a better nation for all, especially for those who need it the most," the President added.

Marcos said this year, he directed all government agencies and encouraged all local government units (LGUs) to support the implementation of EPAHP to bolster efforts towards zero hunger, food and nutrition security, and sustainable agriculture.

He said that through the initiative, "we can improve farm productivity, link farmers, fisherfolk, other food producers to larger markets, provide secure income," adding that it would unlock the potential to rise above poverty, particularly for farmers.

"With the signing of this joint memorandum circular, we are bringing in a coalition of 34 partners—from national agencies to international organizations—each one committed to making zero hunger a reality in the Philippines," Marcos said.

"At the core of this partnership lies our approach: we provide credit and insurance assistance and directly connect community-based organizations or CBOs to government feeding programs and to broader markets," he added.

As of May 2024, by strengthening CBOs, Marcos said the initiative has generated more than P200 million worth of sales and contracts between 122 CBOs and government feeding programs.

He cited that through the Digital Mapping System, developed with the technical support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the government is leveraging technology to link these organizations with prospective markets such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) feeding programs.

According to Marcos, they will form a 14-member EPAHP Steering Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the DSWD, ensuring necessary leadership, coordination, and accountability are in place, as well as the continuous and effective implementation of all the measures under EPAHP.

Quarterly monitoring and evaluation of the program will also be implemented to ensure that resources are being used for activities that will achieve EPAHP's intended goals.