DSWD to widen Project LAWA, BINHI program amid intense dry season

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Tuesday that it will implement its projects against El Niño to more areas in the country.

According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, Project Local Adaptation to Water Access (LAWA) and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (BINHI) will be launched in 16 regions nationwide to solve food and water challenges.

READ: DSWD launching LAWA, BINHI programs to cushion El Niño impact

“The DSWD aims to roll out Project LAWA [and] BINHI in 310 municipalities, including urban centers, and in 61 provinces across 16 regions to mitigate the impact of El Niño on the most vulnerable sectors of society. Through Project LAWA at BINHI, the DSWD seeks to address the multifaceted challenges posed by water scarcity and food insecurity,” Dumlao said.

The agency likewise said that around 140,900 families, composed of 704,530 individuals will benefit from a projected 1,319 water harvesting facilities in 6,630 hectares of agricultural land.

“As El Niño strengthens, we are scaling up our efforts to enhance communities’ resilience and safeguard their well-being,” Dumlao added.

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Project LAWA will alleviate water supply problems with the construction of water facilities such as reservoirs and others, while BINHI will introduce methods in gardening and agriculture to help in food security, the DSWD said.

Dumlao also said that the agency has implemented Project LAWA in Ifugao, Antique, and Davao de Oro, which has benefited around 4,590 families in 2023.