Despite the isolation of Balut Island in Davao Occidental, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI successfully delivered aid and guidance to local beneficiaries through the Food-for-Work component of Project LAWA at BINHI.

One of the beneficiaries, Marvin Ebardo, 40, expressed his gratitude, sharing that the program provided not only food assistance but also renewed hope for families in their community.

“Pinaagi aning Food-for-Work program sa Project LAWA at BINHI, dako kaayo ang among pasalamat kay kini makahatag og suporta sa among inadlaw nga panginahanglan. Sa kalisod ug kapit-os sa among panginabuhi, maningkamot mi nga molambo ug mahimong malampuson ang among proyekto aron makasustento ug makatabang sa among pamilya ug sa komunidad. Bisan pa sa kalayo sa among isla, naabot gyud mi sa DSWD ug padayon kaming ginagiyahan aron mahimong malungtaron ug malampuson ang among LAWA at BINHI,” he said.

The Food-for-Work initiative offers alternative livelihood support by involving beneficiaries in meaningful, community-based activities. In return, participants receive family food packs to sustain their daily needs. This approach helps build climate-resilient and self-reliant communities, while also promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.

Through this project, island communities like Balut are empowered to work together toward long-term development and disaster preparedness.