𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 | The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program asserts that robust, values-driven leadership constitutes the fundamental foundation of every resilient Community-Based Organization (CBO). From June 9 to 11, 2025, EPAHP conducted an Organizational Development Training at Kazh Dreamland Resort and Convention Center, Libertad, Misamis Oriental. This activity was meticulously designed to empower the leaders of 20 CBOs to foster sustainable livelihoods while simultaneously strengthening the foundational roots necessary for achieving long-lasting and impactful community development.

The training was spearheaded by Mr. Melvin B. Maluto, EPAHP FO X Regional Program Coordinator, in collaboration with the EPAHP National Program Management Office, represented by Mr. Vincent Patrick L.M. Jimenez. Esteemed resource speakers included Ms. Maria Annabelle Tejada and Ms. Farah S. Silao from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Bukidnon IMO, as well as Ms. Greenly L. Batucan, Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist from DTI. These facilitators successfully guided participants through a comprehensive curriculum covering leadership development, organizational discipline, effective records management, communication processes within organizations, project management, monitoring and evaluation, as well as problem-solving workshops.

This ongoing training aims to equip participants with vital skills in strategic planning, organizational governance, cooperative strengthening, and enterprise development. By fortifying these core competencies, EPAHP endeavors to support CBOs in becoming reliable and efficient food suppliers for government institutional feeding programs in schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.

The initiative bears the activity title “Strengthening Roots,” symbolizing the critical importance of nurturing and reinforcing the foundational leadership that sustains organizational stability and growth—much like roots nourish and anchor a tree. Strong leadership provides the stability and vitality necessary for organizational resilience and progress.

This endeavor aligns with EPAHP’s overarching mission to alleviate hunger, enhance nutrition, and foster sustainable livelihood opportunities within communities. Through such initiatives, EPAHP aims to cultivate stronger, more resilient organizations from the ground up, ensuring lasting positive impact.