Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has launched a regionwide payout initiative aimed at enhancing food and water security through climate-resilience activities. This program provides cash assistance to beneficiaries who have completed livelihood and community-based activities under Project LAWA and BINHI.

According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, DSWD-5 Disaster Response Management Division Chief, announced that the payout began in Daraga, Albay, where 200 partner-beneficiaries from barangays Pe±afrancia, Anislag, Maopi, and Bigao received PHP8,700 each. These payments are for their participation in the program's 20-day Cash-for-Training and Cash-for-Work activities. A similar payout is currently underway in Tabaco City, with the same number of beneficiaries.

The initiative targets 9,000 beneficiaries across 30 municipalities and cities within Bicol's six provinces, with the entire payout process set to conclude by July 13. The DSWD-5 has allocated PHP78.3 million for the successful implementation of this project.

Project LAWA at BINHI is part of DSWD's strategic interventions to assist vulnerable communities in boosting food production and enhancing their capacity to cope with climate change and other environmental challenges. DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio emphasized the project's goal to empower communities by offering opportunities that promote self-sufficiency and resilience, while encouraging active participation in food production initiatives.

Laurio highlighted that "the initiative supports the national government's efforts to strengthen food security and improve the welfare of Filipino families through community-driven and sustainable development programs."

The DSWD stated that Project LAWA at BINHI is a testament to the administration's dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities by addressing both economic and environmental concerns.