Eastern visayas: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided PHP31.59 million to impoverished families in Eastern Visayas to address challenges related to food insecurity and water scarcity. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support vulnerable communities in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the funds were disbursed to 3,900 individuals who participated in training and work programs across the provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte. These efforts are part of Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished). Each participant received PHP7,500 during payout activities conducted from January to June, as reported by DSWD 8 (Eastern Visayas) information officer Jonalyndie Chua.

Participants completed three stages of Project LAWA at BINHI, which included a three-day learning session, 15 days of practical work, and two days of sustainability training. During the final stages, beneficiaries attended workshops to ensure the long-term viability of the projects. Chua emphasized that these projects are intended to achieve both food security and disaster resilience, with agreements signed with local government units (LGUs) to integrate these initiatives into sustainability mechanisms.

The DSWD's training programs cover disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, water system rehabilitation, communal gardening, vermicomposting, and hydroponics. The program targets areas such as Almagro, Matuguinao, Sta. Margarita, Catbalogan City, Sta. Rita, Villareal, and San Jose de Buan in Samar; Catubig, Gamay, Lapinig, Silvino Lubos, and Lope de Vega in Northern Samar; Oras, Dolores, Jipapad, San Policarpo, and Maslog in Eastern Samar; and San Ricardo, Bontoc, Silago, Sogod, and Libagon in Southern Leyte.

Under Project LAWA, DSWD works to improve water access and management in regions susceptible to drought and water shortages by constructing small reservoirs, repairing water facilities, and diversifying water sources. Meanwhile, Project BINHI focuses on enhancing food security and nutrition through climate-resilient agricultural practices, including communal and urban gardening, vermicomposting, and planting disaster-resilient crops and trees.