Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) has disbursed PHP6.1 million as part of its climate and disaster resilience initiative, benefitting 600 partner-beneficiaries in Davao Oriental, the agency announced Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the funds were distributed during the payout event held from July 1 to July 3. Beneficiaries from the localities of Boston, Cateel, Lupon, and Mati City received PHP10,200 each after successfully completing the cash-for-training and cash-for-work components of the program.

The initiative, known as the Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished, or Project LAWA at BINHI, is a key project by DSWD aimed at mitigating the effects of climate-related disasters such as drought and El Ni±o. It offers temporary employment and training, encouraging the construction of water reservoirs, community gardens, and other climate-resilient livelihood projects.

DSWD-11 emphasized that the program extends beyond financial support by involving beneficiaries in the creation of small farm reservoirs, communal vegetable gardens, and aquaculture projects, which are anticipated to provide long-term benefits. "With Project LAWA and BINHI, every peso provided is not merely temporary assistance - it is an investment in more stable livelihoods, safer communities, and a more prosperous future," the agency stated.

In a related development, DSWD-11 recently provided PHP10.71 million to 1,050 partner-beneficiaries in Davao del Norte, during a payout conducted on June 29-30. This is part of the wider Risk Resiliency Program on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (RRP-CCAM), which seeks to transform government assistance into lasting opportunities, empowering communities with sustainable livelihoods, stronger local organizations, and enhanced resilience in the face of future challenges.