The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI conducted a simultaneous payout to the beneficiaries of Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) in the municipalities of Compostela, Laak, and Monkayo on December 15, 2023. 

A total of 1,500 beneficiaries received the amount of PHP 6,645.00 each for completing 15 days of work by digging the small farm reservoirs (SFR) in their respective communities. 

The cash-for-work modality is part of Project LAWA which is currently in its pilot phase and implemented in only three provinces nationwide: Ifugao, Antique, and Davao de Oro. However, the success of the cash-for-work program in Davao de Oro demonstrates its potential for replication in other parts of the country.

The National Program Focal of Project LAWA, Roderick V. Guisadio, said in an interview that Project LAWA will have its full-blown implementation this year in provinces identified by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) as most affected areas of El Niño until the second quarter of 2024.

“Nakikita po ng departamento na magandang ituloy ang activity na ito bilang bahagi ng Risk Resiliency Program-Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (RRP-CCAM) dahil maganda yung naging impact sa mga community so by 2024 po ay itutuloy-tuloy na po natin itong Project LAWA, (The Department recognized the significant impact of Project LAWA, as one of the programs under RRP-CCAM, especially in the communities. Thus, we have committed to its continued implementation in 2024.), Guisadio said. 

While Project LAWA does not solve all the problems El Niño will pose, it does provide people with immediate solutions to their water scarcity, food security, and financial needs. (DSWD FO XI/EMCJr)

Dahil walang sinuman ang maiiwan sa kaunlaran tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas! ❤

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