Negros occidental: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released a total of PHP17.442 million in cash assistance to partner-beneficiaries under the Project LAWA at BINHI in five local government units (LGUs) across Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, data from the DSWD-Negros Island Region (NIR) showed the amount was distributed to 1,700 recipients who each received PHP10,260 after completing a 20-day cash-for-work and cash-for-training program in the last week of June. This initiative combines temporary employment with capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening community resilience, climate change adaptation, and sustainable resource management, as stated in a DSWD-NIR news release.
In southern Negros, Candoni town saw 200 beneficiaries from the villages of Caningay, Gatuslao, Payauan, and Poblacion East, who together received a total of PHP2.052 million. Hinobaan, with 300 beneficiaries from Bacuyangan, Damutan, San Rafael, and Talacagay villages, was allocated PHP3.078 million. Meanwhile, Sipalay City's 400 beneficiaries from Barangays Cabadiangan, Camindangan, Maricalum, Nauhang, Gil Montilla, and Manlucahoc were paid PHP4.104 million.
In northern Negros, San Carlos City, with 300 beneficiaries from Prosperidad, Quezon, Bagonbon, and Codcod, received PHP3.078 million. Calatrava's 500 beneficiaries from Agpangi, Cruz, Dolis, Ilaya, Minapasuk, and Minautok were provided with PHP5.13 million.
Over the span of 20 days, the beneficiaries engaged in various training sessions and community-based activities focusing on disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation, and the establishment and sustainable management of small farm reservoirs (SFRs). These community assets are intended to enhance water availability, boost agricultural productivity, and improve food and water security amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Following the payouts, the DSWD-NIR handed over the completed Project LAWA at BINHI project sites to the partner-beneficiaries and their respective communities. For Project LAWA, the DSWD aims to improve water access and management in areas susceptible to drought and water shortages through the construction of SFRs, repair or rehabilitation of water-harvesting facilities, and diversification of water supplies, among other initiatives.
Meanwhile, Project BINHI focuses on promoting food security and nutrition among communities by encouraging the adoption of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. These practices include the planting of disaster-resilient crops, fruit-bearing trees, and mangroves, as well as communal and urban gardening and vermicomposting.
