ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed nearly P50 million in cash assistance to 5,200 residents across Western Visayas as part of a government initiative to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change.
From June 12 to 29, 2025, DSWD Region 6 granted a total of P49.92 million through its flagship programs Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and Project BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), both designed to address food and water insecurity in areas threatened by extreme weather conditions such as El Niño and La Niña.
Each beneficiary received P9,600 after completing a 20-day Cash-for-Work and Training (CFWT) program that included capacity-building sessions, environmental conservation activities, and practical work such as constructing small farm reservoirs (SFRs) and cultivating communal vegetable gardens.
The initiative covered 15 localities across the region, including Toboso, Hinoba-an, Sipalay, Candoni, San Carlos, Calatrava, and Escalante in Negros Occidental; Sibunag in Guimaras; San Remigio and Sibalom in Antique; and Lemery, Estancia, Passi City, and Tubungan in Iloilo.
“This broad geographic scope underscores our commitment to building resilience and promoting sustainability across diverse communities,” said DSWD-6 regional director Arwin Razo during a turnover ceremony, where beneficiaries signed a pledge of commitment to sustain and maintain the SFRs and gardens they helped establish.
“I would like to thank our partner local government units and, most especially, our partner-beneficiaries for your trust and support. Every peso we hand over is a symbol of our commitment to your lives and your well-being,” Razo added.“At DSWD, compassionate service is not just a slogan—it is our way of life. We will continue to walk with you, serve you, and believe in your strength to recover and thrive.”
DSWD will continue monitoring the program through regular visits and training sessions for local workers to ensure long-term sustainability and success.
Project LAWA and BINHI are part of DSWD’s adaptive strategies to reduce community vulnerabilities, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve water management in the face of ongoing climate-related risks./PN