Antique: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) completed this week the release of PHP13.8 million as payment for 1,350 beneficiaries of its climate and disaster resilience initiative in Antique. DSWD implemented the Lawa (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) in five municipalities -- Barbaza, Sebaste, Culasi, San Remigio, and Pandan.

According to Philippines News Agency, under the program, beneficiaries underwent five days of cash-for-training and 15 days of cash-for-work, where they made small water reservoirs for tilapia culture and planted vegetables. "Each beneficiary received PHP10,260 for their 20 days of cash-for-training and cash-for-work," Antique program in-charge Tiffany Cabaluna said in an interview on Friday.

She added that the program was implemented in two schools in Barbaza to produce fish and vegetables intended for their feeding program, while in other municipalities, it was implemented in communities. Aside from the payout in Culasi on June 19, the DSWD team conducted monitoring and assessment visits to community gardens and small farm reservoirs (SFRs) established under the program.

The activity evaluated project outcomes, ensured sustainability, and identified opportunities for further improvement. Officials inspected the outputs of the partner-beneficiaries and provided technical assistance on improving the management and productivity of their community gardens and SFRs.