The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) is a government initiative launched in 2019 to strengthen efforts in reducing hunger and poverty across the Philippines. By connecting community-based organizations (CBOs) with institutional feeding programs and government procurement opportunities, it helps local farmers and marginalized groups gain stable income sources. Additionally, the program provides financial assistance and credit support, enabling CBOs to sustain food production and distribution.
Understanding and applying for EPAHP is important for those seeking financial assistance and market access, particularly in the agricultural sector. Farmers, cooperatives, and other eligible organizations can benefit from government-backed contracts, ensuring consistent demand for their products. Participating in this program not only helps alleviate poverty but also contributes to national food security and nutrition initiatives. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to be able to access this government support program.
Why Apply for EPAHP?
As a dedicated government program designed to help those who need it, the EPAHP program was created to provide financial assistance and loan support to community-based organizations engaged in food production and supply. This initiative strengthens food security in the Philippines by connecting local farmers and cooperatives with institutional feeding programs, creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Objectives
The EPAHP program is aimed at:
- Providing credit assistance to qualified CBOs to enhance food production, processing, and marketing.
- Encouraging community participation in government procurement for food supply needs.
- Strengthening food and nutrition security for vulnerable populations in both urban and rural areas.
Loan Features
Some of the most notable features of the EPAHP include:
- Credit Facility: Short-term loan line.
- Interest Rate: 5% per annum.
- Loan Term: Up to one (1) year.
- Loan Security:
- Deed of Assignment of Contract Receivables
- Hold-out on deposit (if available)
- Post-dated checks (if applicable)
- Loanable Amount: Up to 80% of the awarded contract price (subject to the latest EPAHP Community Participation Procurement Manual thresholds).
- National Government Agencies (DAR, DSWD, DA, etc.): 2,000,000
- 1st-3rd Class Provinces & Highly Urbanized Cities: 1,000,000
- 4th Class Province and 3rd Class Cities: 800,000
- 5th Class Province and 4th Class Cities: 600,000
- 6th Class Province and 5th to 6th Class Cities: 500,000
- Municipalities & Barangays: 500,000
Loan Purpose & Eligible Projects
Loans under EPAHP can be used to finance purchase orders and contracts for supplying food to government feeding programs, including:
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): Supplementary Feeding Programs for children and residential care facilities.
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): Food supply for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
- Department of Education (DepEd): School-based feeding programs.
- Department of Health (DOH): Hospital inpatient feeding and nutrition programs for pregnant women and children.
- Other institutional feeding programs by government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
Who Can Apply?
Eligible borrowers include legally recognized Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that serve as service providers in food supply and agricultural activities. These organizations must be:
- Duly registered with relevant government agencies such as the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Endorsed by a participating government agency as part of the EPAHP program.
- Free from adverse findings on the organization and its key officers (subject to credit/background investigation by the lending institution).
Types of Eligible Organizations
- Cooperatives
- Farmers’ Associations/Organizations
- Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs)
- Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs)
- Irrigators Associations (IAs)
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Day Care Services Parents Groups
Documentary Requirements
Prior to application, interested parties or CBOs are encouraged to get the following documentary requirements prepared early in to avoid the delays and hassle of having to go back and forth:
Pre-Processing Requirements:
- Duly filled-out loan application form.
- Certificate of Registration from CDA or SEC.
- Copies of approved agreements, contracts, or purchase orders from participating agencies.
- Endorsement or certification from an EPAHP agency confirming the CBO’s eligibility.
Pre-Release Requirements:
- Board resolution authorizing the CBO to borrow and designating its authorized signatories.
- Debt Service Reserve Account (DSRA) opened with LANDBANK.
- Authorization for LANDBANK to debit payments from the DSRA.
- Written notice to the procuring entity regarding the assignment of receivables to LANDBANK.
How to Apply for EPAHP Loan Assistance
Once the requirements are ready, you may proceed with the application process by following the steps listed below:
Step 1: Confirm eligibility as a legally registered CBO and secure an endorsement from a participating government agency.
Step 2: Secure a contract or purchase order from a government agency participating in EPAHP.
Step 3: Gather and complete the required documents (registration certificates, agreements, and financial documents).
Step 4: Submit a loan application to LANDBANK along with the necessary documents.
Step 5: Await approval and credit investigation before loan processing begins.
Step 6: Upon approval, receive the initial loan release and begin supplying goods to the government entity.
Step 7: Submit delivery proof to obtain subsequent loan releases as required.
Step 8: Repay the loan as per the agreed terms to maintain eligibility for future funding opportunities.
Where to Get the Application Form and Apply
To apply for the EPAHP eligible community-based organizations (CBOs) can obtain the application form from the nearest LANDBANK Lending Center or download it from the official LANDBANK website. The completed form, along with required documents such as registration certificates, contracts, and endorsements, must be submitted to LANDBANK for evaluation. The processing time varies, but initial assessment and approval typically take several weeks, depending on the completeness of documents and credit evaluation.
Mode of Loan Release
Once approved, the loan may be released in staggered payments based on contract fulfillment, or as a lump sum if all deliveries are completed.
- Staggered Release:
- Initial Release: Up to 15% of the total contract amount upon submission of the contract agreement or purchase order.
- Succeeding Releases: Based on delivery performance, with up to four (4) additional disbursements based on documented deliveries.
- Lump-Sum Release: For full contract fulfillment upon submission of delivery receipts and invoices.
Fees and Charges
Some fees you will need to know about when applying for this program include:
- Application Fee & Documentary Stamp Tax (DST): Shouldered by the borrower (cooperatives with a Bureau of Internal Revenue tax exemption certificate are exempt from DST).
- Penalty: 3% per annum starting 61 days after the due date of the loan.
Important Reminders
When applying for the EPAHP program, keep these important notes in mind to ensure a smooth process:
- Eligibility: Only duly registered CBOs with valid endorsements and government contracts can apply.
- Complete Documentation: Submit all required documents, including business registration, approved contracts, and financial records, to avoid delays.
- Loan Release: Funds are disbursed staggered based on contract deliveries or as a lump sum if all requirements are met.
- Repayment Terms: Loans must be repaid within one year, with interest payable upon maturity.
- Penalties and Fees: A 3% annual penalty applies for overdue payments, and standard processing fees may be charged.
- Contact for Assistance: For questions, visit the nearest LANDBANK Lending Center or contact the Programs Management Department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about applying for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP):
- Who can apply for EPAHP assistance?
Eligible applicants include community-based organizations (CBOs) such as cooperatives, farmers’ associations, and non-government organizations. - What type of financial assistance does EPAHP provide?
EPAHP offers short-term loans to finance purchase orders and contract receivables from government agencies. - What is the interest rate for EPAHP loans?
The loan carries a 5% per annum interest rate. - How much can a CBO borrow under the EPAHP program?
Eligible organizations can borrow up to 80% of the awarded contract price, with specific limits based on the procuring entity. - Are there penalties for late payments?
Yes, a 3% per annum penalty applies starting 61 days after the due date. - Can farmers apply individually for the EPAHP loan?
No, individual farmers must be part of a registered CBO to qualify. - Does the CBO need to be registered with a government agency?
Yes, the CBO must be duly registered with agencies like the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). - What are the eligibility criteria for CBOs?
The CBO must be listed in the EPAHP database, endorsed by a partner agency, and have an active marketing contract with a government entity. - Is collateral required for the loan?
No traditional collateral is required, but a Deed of Assignment of Contract Receivables or post-dated checks may be used. - Can CBOs with existing loans from other programs still apply?
Yes, but they must pass LANDBANK’s credit investigation and show financial capacity. - How does a CBO get listed in the EPAHP database?
The CBO must be endorsed by a participating government agency or apply through the EPAHP convergence program. - What happens if the CBO fails to deliver the contracted goods?
The CBO may face penalties, and future loan applications could be affected. - Is there a deadline for applying to EPAHP?
While the program operates continuously, funding availability may depend on government budget allocations.
Video: Understanding EPAHP
For a more thorough understanding of this program called EPAHP, you may check out this video from Karlo Nograles:
For more information, visit your nearest LANDBANK Lending Center or contact:
Programs Management Department I
27th Floor, LANDBANK Plaza
1598 M.H. del Pilar cor. Dr. J. Quintos Sts., Malate, Manila
Tel. No.: (+632) 8405-7450