Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region has completed the 100 percent payout to all 6,195 beneficiaries of Project LAWA at BINHI across the region's four provinces, the agency said Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, as of July this year, a total of 6,195 beneficiaries have already received their compensation for rendering 20 days of work under the project. "Each partner beneficiary received PHP8,700 as compensation under the program," DSWD-13 said in a statement.

Of the total number of beneficiaries, 1,285 were from Agusan del Norte, 1,240 from Agusan del Sur, 800 from Dinagat Islands, 1,370 from Surigao del Norte, and 1,500 from Surigao del Sur. Among the communities that gained benefits from the project was Barangay Mabini in Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands.

Through Project LAWA at BINHI, the village's potable water system was rehabilitated, once again bringing clean water to families. "Before, we had to bathe using a pail because we didn't have running water. We carried water in buckets for bathing and even for flushing the toilet. Now, we simply turn on the tap or use a hose. The difference is huge," said partner beneficiary Ronnie Damayan in the same statement. He recognized the importance of partnership under the program between the beneficiaries, the local government unit, and DSWD-13 that resulted in the successful rehabilitation of the water system in their barangay.

Another successful project was the vegetable garden project in Barangay Roxas, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, where residents harvest fresh kangkong not only for market but for family consumption. "We worked as a family in our garden under the Project LAWA at BINHI. Now, our group is not only earning income from our kangkong production but also providing fresh vegetables on our tables," said Manong Remegio, a partner beneficiary who requested anonymity.

DSWD-13 also noted that while the cash-for-work component has been completed, partner beneficiaries are encouraged to continue maintaining and nurturing their project sites. "The established gardens and water-related interventions are intended to provide long-term sources of food and water for their communities, ensuring that the benefits of the project continue beyond its implementation," DSWD-13 said.