Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Bicol Region has distributed 11,796 family food packs (FFPs) to beneficiaries of Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) at BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished).

According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, chief of DSWD-5's Disaster Response Management Division, stated that the FFPs, valued at PHP8 million, are part of a food-for-work program. This initiative is designed to ensure the sustainable implementation of their projects, providing support to beneficiaries engaged in community projects.

Villareal explained that beneficiaries receive FFPs through the food-for-work initiative as a part of welfare goods management. To participate, local government units are required to submit project proposals for their beneficiaries involved in Project LAWA at BINHI.

The FFPs are capable of sustaining a family of five for up to two days. Villareal added that the amount of food packs each partner receives depends on the work or duties they perform, such as site monitoring, replanting, and site maintenance.

The core objectives of the project remain focused on sustainability through the food-for-work approach. Beneficiaries of the program contribute to community gardens and water reservoir projects, which primarily aim to enhance food and water security.