Calabarzon: More than 13,000 individuals across 43 localities in the Calabarzon Region will benefit from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Risk Resiliency Program through Project Local Adaptation to Water Access (LAWA) and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest (BINHI) this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Joseph Arceo, regional public information officer of DSWD Field Office IV-A, explained in a phone message that the project empowers communities to develop sustainable initiatives against climate change while providing temporary income for families. "Of the total target, 6,750 partner-beneficiaries from 21 local government units (LGUs) will start implementation by May while 7,100 from 22 LGUs will begin in the second half of the year," he said.

He noted that residents will focus on practical community projects, such as preparing vegetable gardens and rehabilitating small farm reservoirs. DSWD IV-A is currently collaborating with target LGUs to finalize required documents for rollout.

The program builds on last year's success, where 14,960 residents benefited, leaving 256 LAWA at BINHI sites operational and continuing to supply food and water to communities. Project LAWA at BINHI combines agricultural cultivation and climate change adaptation as a developmental and long-term solution to poverty and hunger.

Under the project, a cash-for-training/work (CFT/W) program is implemented to provide temporary employment to community members, while equipping them with the knowledge and skills on addressing local agricultural challenges. The project also plays a vital role in promoting climate change awareness and identifying ways to reduce its negative effects.

Through its CFT/W component, participants receive training on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and practical techniques, such as gardening and water harvesting.