In a bid to strengthen grassroots leadership for climate adaptation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD XI) brought together association presidents from 14 communities for a focused coordination and planning session under the Risk Resiliency Program – Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (RRP-CCAM) Project LAWA at BINHI.

Held on May 9, 2025, at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office Conference Room in Barangay Poblacion, Boston, Davao Oriental, the meeting served as a platform for association leaders to align strategies, share challenges, and reinforce their roles in sustaining community-based climate initiatives.

According to Howell C. Gumanay, Project Development Officer of DSWD XI, the meeting was designed to strengthen coordination among local leaders and encourage unified efforts in sustaining the project’s gains. He emphasized that association presidents play a critical role in guiding their members and ensuring that interventions continue to benefit communities long after the project ends.

The session highlighted the importance of communication, accountability, and collaboration in implementing climate-resilient solutions. Through active engagement, the participants were reminded of their shared responsibilities and the value of sustaining partnerships with local government units and national agencies. This initiative is part of DSWD XI’s ongoing commitment to build empowered, resilient, and climate-ready communities across the Davao Region.