Batad, Iloilo — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Western Visayas released over P4.8 million in cash assistance to 500 beneficiaries in Batad, Iloilo, under its Risk Resiliency Program–Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (RRP-CCAM).
Held on May 30, the payout marked a milestone for Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and Project BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest), two flagship initiatives designed to enhance community resilience through sustainable agriculture and water access.
Each beneficiary received P9,600 as compensation for completing a 20-day Cash-for-Work and Training (CFWT) program.
The said program included capacity-building sessions on disaster preparedness and hands-on activities such as the maintenance and management of Small Farm Reservoirs (SFRs)—critical infrastructure in ensuring food and water security amid intensifying climate threats.
Alongside the payout, the DSWD and Batad local government unit (LGU) officials visited community gardens and SFR sites in various barangays to assess implementation progress and ensure long-term sustainability of the interventions.
“Our work here goes beyond the payout. We are building long-term resilience by empowering our communities to take control of their food and water resources,” RRP Regional Focal Person Joy Ann Catherine Salbibia said.
The DSWD assured stakeholders that further support would continue to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and strengthen local capacities for disaster risk reduction.
