Given the urgency of addressing the effects of El Niño, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing for the nationwide implementation of the Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished projects (Project LAWA at BINHI) this year.

Project LAWA at BINHI are proactive interventions and sustainable solutions to combat hunger, alleviate poverty, and reduce community economic vulnerability by addressing food insecurity and water scarcity, which are exacerbated by climate change and natural disasters.

“The DSWD aims to roll out Project LAWA at 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,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao said on April 9.

She noted that 140,906 families, or approximately 704,530 people, are expected to benefit from 1,319 target water harvesting facilities that will cover at least 6,630 hectares of agricultural land.

“DSWD is committed to proactively address the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring the welfare of the most vulnerable communities amid dry spells. As El Niño strengthens, we are scaling up our efforts to enhance communities' resilience and safeguard their well-being,” she added.

Under Project LAWA, the DSWD aims to improve water access and management in drought-prone communities by building small farm reservoirs, repairing or rehabilitating water harvesting facilities, and diversifying water supplies, Dumlao said.

Pilot implementation

She pointed out that Project LAWA was first implemented in nine local government units in Ifugao, Antique, and Davao de Oro, with 90 small farm reservoirs established and benefited 4,590 families last year.

During the pilot testing, DSWD found out that people require not only water but also nutritious food to ensure their survival and productivity.

Thus the creation of Project BINHI, which aims to promote food security and nutrition in communities by facilitating the adoption of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices such as communal and urban gardening, vermicomposting, and the planting of disaster-resilient crops, fruit-bearing trees, and mangroves, she added.

Project LAWA at BINHI is implemented through the DSWD’s Risk Resiliency Program, which includes cash-for-training and cash-for-work.

The recipients will participate in water-saving initiatives, such as constructing small agricultural reservoir, maintaining multipurpose water infrastructure, restoring and mending water harvesting facilities, diversifying water sources, hydroponics, and aquaculture.

Others will take part in planting, community-based diversified integrated farming, school- and community-based vegetable gardening, urban gardening, and communal gardening.