The DSWD Field Office IV-A, has begun the coordination with 13 identified local government units (LGUs) in Quezon Province in preparation for the 2025 implementation of the Risk Resiliency Program thru Project LAWA at BINHI during a virtual teleconference last February 6, 2025.

The Project LAWA at BINHI (Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) is a new program implemented by the DSWD that uses the cash-for-work scheme to engage community residents in mitigating the effects of climate change including food insufficiency and water scarcity.

In 2024, only the LGus of Infanta, Patnanungan, San Narciso, and San Francisco implemented the said program. This year, additional nine LGUs will be covered including the municipalities of Burdeos, Tayabas City, Sampaloc, Pagbilao, Panukulan, General Nakar, Real, Jomalig, and Mauban.

Through the initial coordination meeting, the LGUs, particularly their local social welfare and development offices, disaster risk reduction and management offices, and agricultural offices among others, were able to plan out various activities including the preparation of documentary requirements and targeting of participants.

In the implementation of the Project LAWA at BINHI, the LGUs’ role in every step of the implementation is crucial in the success of the projects. These include not only their financial counterparts, but more importantly, their technical assistance and continuous monitoring to community residents and their respective projects.

In 2024, a total of 13,495 beneficiaries from 34 LGUs completed various projects such as community gardens and water harvesting facilities. [with reports from MJRRejano]