DAR Caraga awards regional key players in fight against hunger and poverty, reorients provincial implementers

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office Caraga conducted a 2-day Regionwide Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) Re-Orientation and Kumustahan Session cum Awarding Ceremony at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City on July 9-10, 2024.

PAHP is a collaborative effort between DAR and other government agencies, i.e. the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine National Police (PNP), various Medical Mission Groups (MMGs), etc., to reduce poverty and hunger across the nation sustainably by creating linkages between agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) and institutional markets.

This activity aimed to address 3 salient points: the reorientation of new PAHP field implementers with the turnover rate of DAR due to promotion and movement of personnel, the Kumustahan session, to consult with the partner instititutions the pertinent issues and concerns with existing or potential marketing agreements, and the awards ceremony, to recognize the invaluable contribution of individuals and offices to the success of PAHP in Caraga.

Key officials from partner institutions in attendance were BJMP Regional Director, JSSupt. Belinda A. Ebora, DSWD Assistant Regional Director, Paul S. Parajes, PNP Surigao del Sur 1st Mobile Force Company, PLtCol. Felix Gonzales, Jr., and Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital Cooperative Medical Director, Dr. Angelo Dimaano, among other key personnel from their respective organizations.

DAR Caraga Regional Director, Atty. Merlita S. Capinpuyan, praised the Caraga team for securing 2nd place in the national PAHP Awards on June 27, 2024, acknowledging the dedication of the provincial offices in facilitating market access for ARBOs. "The success of our farmers made possible through your unwavering support and enthusiasm, is a testament to our collective efforts," RD Capinpuyan stated.

On the first day, the reorientation session focused on equipping participants with the latest strategies, policies, and best practices in poverty and hunger alleviation.

PAHP Regional Focal Person, Engr. Vaughn Jason C. Lastimado happily reported that there was a 50%