Davao City – In a significant step toward climate resilience and sustainable livelihood, Project LAWA at BINHI has reached over 1,500 beneficiaries across various communities in Davao City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced.
Launched as a joint initiative of the DSWD, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Agriculturist Office (cAgrO), and the Bureau of Fisheries XI, the project aims to combat food insecurity and water scarcity while helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change.
Speaking on Davao City Disaster Radio, Jupani Simpao, Family Caseworker III of CSWDO, explained that the project integrates two main components: LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access), which focuses on creating community-managed fishponds, and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), which supports residents in developing vegetable gardens for food and income.
The initiative has been rolled out in two phases so far. The first phase covered 20 sites and benefitted 1,000 residents. The ongoing second phase includes 10 additional sites and has so far supported 500 more individuals.
Target beneficiaries include organized groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, solo parents, and farmers—especially in areas prone to water insufficiency. Among the barangays where the project is being implemented are Catigan, Sibulan, Tagluno, Bato, Tugbok, Los Amigos, Calinan, Riverside, Biao, Malamba, Dominga, Carmen, Tapak, Pandaitan, Colosas, and Bantol.
Aside from fishponds and gardens, beneficiaries receive Cash-for-Training and Cash-for-Work (CFTW) assistance, encouraging their active involvement and equipping them with sustainable agriculture skills.
“Last week, we started Cash-for-Training in eight barangays in Calinan District. On May 21, 22, and 23, we’re expanding to Bantol and three areas in Datu Salumay, plus an additional site in Catigan,” Simpao shared.
Anna Liza Mansaligan, a resident of Barangay Catigan and a beneficiary, expressed her gratitude for the program.
“We are truly grateful. That’s why we will do our part in nurturing and further developing the project entrusted to us,” she said, adding that community teams of 50 members each are committed to sustaining the initiative, with DSWD’s supervision expected to continue for the next decade.
Project LAWA at BINHI is part of the broader climate change adaptation strategies being adopted in the Philippines to strengthen local capacities against environmental challenges while uplifting the lives of vulnerable sectors.