The National Nutrition Council IX (NNC9) represented by DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, participated in the Orientation on Community Participation in Procurement and EPAHP Results Framework held at Chandler Suites, Pagadian City. It was attended by members of the Regional Convergence Team (RCT) composed of heads or directors, and representatives from the regional line agencies. This activity aims to 1. To have a better understanding of the implementing guidelines on CPP for EPAHP Projects; 2. To equip the RCT with the knowledge which is necessary to further the growth and help achieve the socio-economic objectives of the entire program, and 3: To familiarize and acknowledge the obligations of each regional partner agency in the procurement of goods and services through NP-CP.

The activity formally started with the preliminaries and opening remarks given by Ms. Evangeline Poquita, Division Chief. The updates on the LGU Orientation on the EPAHP by Mohammad Binzale A. Hashim EPAHP-Regional Program Coordinator. The support of the LGUs in the program and the Zero Hunger target of the government by 2030 and Ambisyon Nation 2040 is critical to the successful implementation of the program under the Local Government Code of 1991. EPAHP Partners and Development Partners shall encourage the participation of the LGUs in the Program.

Existing agreements with the LGUs may be amended to include an agreement or provision on the EPAHP Program. The EPAHP-RPMO in coordination with EPAHP regional partners should be able to orient the LGUs on the EPAHP Program in support of the Zero Hunger target of the government by 2030 and forge the required agreement with them. The criteria for selecting the priority areas: 1. Number of EPAHP Intervention (50%); 2. Poverty incidence among the population (15%); 3. Prevalence of Stunting (5%); 4. Prevalence of Underweight (5%); 5. Prevalence of Wasting (5%); and 6. Income classification (20%). The Overview of Negotiated Procurement- Community Participation was then presented by the Regional Director of the Department of Budget and Management IX, Mr. Mark Louie C. Martin, CPA, CESO III. Community participation involves local communities for project sustainability or to achieve certain social objectives. Community or Social Groups, or members thereof are called to participate in the delivery of Goods and Simple Infrastructure Projects, subject to the guidelines issued by the Government Procurement Policy Board. Who are the Accredited Farmers and Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Enterprises? Farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises: As defined under Section 2 (g) of Administrative Circular No. 08, series of 2019, accredited by the Department of Agriculture pursuant to Section 11.5 thereof and registered in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS).

The overall goals of the EPAHP Program are to have a strengthened hunger mitigation and poverty reduction interventions through ensured food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced development partnership, and to ensure that hunger is strategically reduced and nutritional status is improved, NGAs which include NNC, DOH, DWSD, DepEd, DA, PCC, and LGUs will make sure that the provision of institutional feeding programs is sustained. NNC9 as a member agency of the EPAHP, will continue to participate in implementing the EPAHP Program along with other government agencies, ensure that commitments are met, and provide technical assistance as needed.

ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND