January 27, 2026 – In 2025, a total of 14,960 residents of 41 localities in the CALABARZON Region engaged in the implementation of PhP155.58M worth of climate change adaptation and mitigation projects under the DSWD’s Risk Resiliency Program thru Project LAWA at BINHI (Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency thru Nutritious Harvest).

These residents were those belonging to vulnerable sectors, including indigenous peoples, farmers, fisherfolks, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, solo parents, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) among others.

Under the Project LAWA at BINHI, these residents were capacitated and engaged in addressing food insecurity and water insufficiency in their communities while providing them with a temporary source of income. Utilizing a 20-day cash-for-training and cash-for-work scheme, the residents implemented projects such as community gardens, small farm reservoirs, and fish ponds.

“Marami po akong natutunan sa Project LAWA at BINHI tulad ng tamang paraan ng pagtatanim, kahalagahan ng pag-iimbak ng tubig, pag-aalaga ng isda at ganun din ang pakikisama sa iba para mas gumaan at maging mas masaya ang aming trabaho sa proyekto,” shared Jaspher Enriquez, a community resident of Brgy. Tatala in Binangonan, Rizal.

Upon the completion of their projects, the DSWD, through the assistance of their local government units (LGUs), continue to engage the residents to sustain their projects.

“Dahil ang proyekto po namin ay aming napapakinabangan hanggang ngayon, kailangan pa naming pagsikapan at palaguin pa ang aming LAWA at BINHI. Hindi man kalakihang halaga, pare-pareho po kaming nakikinabang dahil ang mga gulay ay hindi na namin bibilhin pa,” said Mayee Rosales, a community resident of Brgy. Bataan in Sampaloc, Quezon who continuously takes part in the maintenance and improvement of their projects.#