The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) has released PHP6.1 million under its climate and disaster resilience program to 600 partner-beneficiaries in Davao Oriental, the agency said Tuesday.

During the July 1-3 payout, beneficiaries from Boston, Cateel, Lupon, and Mati City each received PHP10,200 after completing the program’s cash-for-training and cash-for-work components.

The Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished, popularly known as Project LAWA at BINHI, a flagship initiative of DSWD, aims to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters such as drought and El Niño.

It provides temporary employment and training in exchange for building water reservoirs, community gardens, and other climate-resilient livelihood projects.

DSWD-11 said the program goes beyond financial aid by recognizing beneficiaries’ active participation in establishing small farm reservoirs, communal vegetable gardens, aquaculture projects, and other initiatives expected to yield long-term benefits.

“With Project LAWA and BINHI, every peso provided is not merely temporary assistance – it is an investment in more stable livelihoods, safer communities, and a more prosperous future,” the agency said.

Last week, DSWD-11 also extended PHP10.71 million to 1,050 partner-beneficiaries in Davao del Norte during a payout held on June 29-30.

Implemented under the Risk Resiliency Program on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (RRP-CCAM), Project LAWA at BINHI continues to transform government assistance into lasting opportunities –empowering communities with sustainable livelihoods, stronger local organizations, and greater resilience for the future. (PNA)