04/06/2026
DSWD FO2 EPAHP, Isabela Province join National Inception Workshop for UN SDG Joint Project on Zero Hunger
PASIG CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 (DSWD FO2), through the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program, together with representatives from the Provincial Government of Isabela, participated in the National Inception Workshop for the Joint SDG Fund Project, Zero Hunger Accelerator: Catalysing Local Investments for Food System Transformation and Green Transition, held on 21 to 22 May 2026 at Astoria Plaza, Pasig City.
The two-day workshop gathered key stakeholders from the United Nations, national government agencies, local government units, and development partners to jointly develop the project’s implementation framework and work plan. Among those present were representatives from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and pilot areas including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Region 02, and the Caraga Region.
As the identified primary facility for project implementation, EPAHP will play a key role in advancing the initiative in Region II, with the Province of Isabela serving as the pilot area for the provincial-level implementation. The delegation from Region II included the EPAHP Regional Program Coordinator and representatives from the Provincial Government of Isabela, led by the Provincial Agriculturist.
During the workshop, the group assigned to Outcome 3: Increased Productivity and Resilience of Smallholder Farmers and Fisherfolk presented its recommendations aimed at strengthening support systems, improving market access, and enhancing climate resilience among agricultural producers. The presentation highlighted the group's advocacy for the creation of Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers to provide accessible technical assistance and agricultural services at the grassroots level. The proposal was developed through the contributions of participating agricultural officers from the Province of Isabela.
Organized by the WFP in partnership with the FAO and UN Women, the Zero Hunger Accelerator Project seeks to promote inclusive, resilient, and climate-responsive food systems through strategic investments in nano-financing and strengthened collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and development partners.
The initiative supports the broader goal of accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) while fostering sustainable agricultural development and improved food security in participating communities.