PROJECT LAWA. Representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, partner agencies and local government units sign a memorandum of agreement Thursday (Aug. 31, 2023) for the establishment of Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) that would be piloted in Monkayo, Davao de Oro. Two other towns in the province – Laak and Compostela – will benefit from the project, which aims to combat water scarcity brought by the El Niño phenomenon. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
MONKAYO, Davao de Oro – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the first pilot area in the Philippines for Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) here Thursday.
DSWD 11 (Davao Region) Director Vanessa Goc-ong said the project focuses on helping communities affected by drought adapt to interventions that improve water access during the El Niño weather phenomenon.
“It seeks to develop sustainable solutions and implement intervention that will alleviate the challenges faced by the communities during periods of severe drought conditions leading to water scarcity,” Goc-ong said in her presentation.
Aside from this municipality, she said, the towns of Laak and Compostela are also set to avail of the project, whose primary aim is to build community physical assets, particularly water ponds, that are vital for sustaining economic activities.
“This is the first in the Philippines, and we pilot it here in Monkayo. We aim to finish the project on or before Sept. 15 this year,” Goc-ong said.
She noted that the project beneficiaries must be members of the DSWD’s Listahanan, be physically able and are members of a farmer association.
“Beneficiaries can also be members of DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program and Risk Resiliency Program and other vulnerable sectors,” she added.
Goc-ong said they are currently identifying the beneficiaries of the project for the three sites, which will provide cash-for-training and -work, as well as additional income to vulnerable sectors.
Edmund Lawian, 68, a beneficiary of the cash-for-work scheme, said he was thankful for the project as it would help his family financially.
“I have a college student and my income will be very helpful to my child. This is a big help to us,” he said in an interview.
In his message, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, represented by Diana Rose Cajipe, the Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group, said the project is a government response to combat El Niño and give direct aid to the affected farmers.
“This will provide immediate aid to the community that would possibly be affected by a long drought,” Gatchalian said in his message. (PNA)
