STA. MARGARITA, Samar – Sta. Margarita has been chosen as the priority municipality in Samar to receive the Zero Hunger Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) Project, with an orientation held on February 17th.

The program, an initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through their Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 2: Zero Hunger. The project will be implemented through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), another mechanism for providing livelihood opportunities to various organizations in the municipality.

According to the orientation, the 5-year project targets 198 individuals. The DSWD will identify these individuals using their validation tool to assess their qualifications.

The municipality’s selection as a beneficiary was based on its compliance with various programs and documents, including the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), Human Development Authority and Poverty Reduction Cluster, Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), and PCUP Urban Poor Areas. The DSWD also recognized the municipality’s active participation and support for their initiatives.

The orientation was attended by representatives from the municipality, led by Mr. George G. Binas, Municipal Administrator, representing Mayor Felix Roma Panganoron, and Sangguniang Bayan Members. Also present were Ariel N. Boleche, Provincial Coordinator; Jelyn G. Pasamonte, Zero Hunger PDO; and Jinky Rose A. Merino, Partnership Program Officer.

Sta. Margarita, Samar is taking a significant step towards ending hunger! The municipality launched the Zero Hunger Program, aiming to improve the lives of 198 individuals over 5 years. (Photos: Marlon James R. Catalan | via MIO)