SIAY, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – A unified effort to combat hunger, malnutrition, and rural poverty. The National Irrigation Administration - Sibuguey Valley Irrigation System (NIA-SVIS), in collaboration with partner agencies under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), celebrated Nutrition Month 2025 on July 18 at the Tama Para sa Bayan Irrigators Association (IA) Office in Barangay Sampoli B. The activity, anchored on the national theme "Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin,” gathered members of IAs from both SVIS and the Ditay Irrigation System (IS).
The event featured the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the EPAHP program. Signed by twelve (12) IAs and institutional buyer Tama Para sa Bayan IA and it's presided by SVIS Head Engr. Wilson N. Cabrales. The agreement, aims to link smallholder farmers directly to government feeding programs and institutional markets. This strategic partnership strengthens food security initiatives, addresses malnutrition in vulnerable communities, and provides consistent market access that supports the livelihood and economic stability of local farmers.
In support of the MOA signing, a Kadiwa-Taboan Trade Fair showcased fresh produce, processed food products, and native delicacies from participating IAs. The trade fair promoted farm-to-community access to affordable and nutritious food while highlighting the role of local agripreneurs in sustainable rural development. The convergence of Nutrition Month and EPAHP objectives reflects NIA-SVIS's unwavering commitment to food security, rural empowerment, and multi-sectoral collaboration for inclusive development.