A total of 300 partner-beneficiaries of Project LAWA at BINHI in Davao Oriental have completed a 20-day cash-for-training (CFT) and cash-for-work (CFW) engagement, receiving PHP3.06 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Davao Region while gaining skills to strengthen their resilience against climate change.

The payout, conducted on Sept. 1–2, covered 150 beneficiaries from Baganga, 100 from Manay, and 50 from Mati City, marking a 100 percent accomplishment rate in the three areas, the agency said in a statement Friday.

Each of them received PHP10,200.

Over 20 days, participants joined training sessions and community-based activities focused on food security, water sufficiency, sustainable livelihood, and climate resilience.

“Through the CFT component, beneficiaries gained new knowledge and skills to enhance their livelihoods, while the CFW program allowed them to contribute to community projects that directly benefit local residents, all while earning income for their basic needs,” DSWD-11 said.

Project LAWA at BINHI, which stands for Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished, is a flagship program designed to address the impacts of climate change by integrating water resource management, food production, and livelihood development.

Beneficiaries learned about sustainable farming techniques, water conservation, and climate-smart agricultural practices, equipping them with practical knowledge they can apply in their own communities.

The cash-for-work component allowed them to contribute to community projects, such as establishing vegetable gardens, rehabilitating water systems, and other initiatives that directly benefit locals.

The agency emphasized that beyond immediate financial aid, the initiative aims to strengthen the capacity, participation, and responsibility of beneficiaries in community-driven projects that promote resilience and self-reliance.

“At the conclusion of the 20-day engagement, the 300 beneficiaries carried not only their cash assistance but also new skills, experiences, and a more active role in building stronger, self-reliant communities,” DSWD-11 added.

Project LAWA at BINHI is implemented under the Risk Resiliency Program – Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, designed to help communities build sustainable livelihoods and locally driven solutions to address the impacts of climate change.

The program is part of the DSWD’s broader efforts to integrate climate adaptation into social protection, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not only supported during crises but are also equipped to withstand future environmental challenges. (PNA)