2 August 2013 – The United Nation- World Food Program (UNWFP) in coordination with the DSWD conducted an orientation on Setting Up an Early Warning System on Hunger and Food Insecurity (EWS-HFI) in Atok, Benguet. The said program is the UNWFP's contribution toward strengthening the capacity of LGUs on Hunger and Food Insecurity Surveillance. Atok was chosen as pilot area of the project because of its vulnerability to impending disasters since the municipality is situated along the typhoon belt. Atok has also existing manpower capability and its local government is committed and willing to adopt the project.

The activity was attended by LCEs and Municipal Officials, barangay representatives, DSWD and NNC. In behalf of the Provincial Government of Benguet, Atty. Paul Bagano, Governor Fongwan's Exec. Secretary, expressed the province's support and commitment for the project and believed that the Municipal Government of Atok will benefit from the project.

Dr. Bongga and Mr. Juanito Berja of the UNWFP presented the overview of the project with the aim of transforming collected data into useful information for appropriate actions by the decision makers. Information generated from the results of the surveillance is intended to be used as basis for making responsive plans and decisions on what appropriate actions or timely interventions to be adopted to avert the threat of a food crisis.

Furthermore, a consultative workshop with the lead implementers and decision makers of the municipality and with the BAS, PAGASA, DA, NNC and DSWD representatives is scheduled on September 5-6, 2013 at Mt. Data Hotel in Bauko, Mt. Province.