The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) is distributing PHP46.1 million in cash assistance to 4,550 beneficiaries under its climate resilience and food security program, Project LAWA at BINHI.
Records obtained by the Philippine News Agency on Friday showed that the payouts are scheduled from Oct. 19 to 26 in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, and on a still unannounced date in Siquijor.
Negros Occidental accounts for the largest allocation at PHP22.059 million for 2,150 beneficiaries, followed by Negros Oriental with PHP15.030 million for 1,500 beneficiaries, and Siquijor with PHP9.018 million for 900 beneficiaries.
The payout and turnover activities in Negros Occidental have been completed, covering beneficiaries from Calatrava, Candoni, Escalante City, Hinoba-an, San Carlos City, Sipalay City, and Toboso.
Beneficiaries in the province received a daily wage of PHP513 for their 20-day engagement under the program.
In Negros Oriental, payouts were conducted this week in Pamplona, Tayasan, Ayungon, Mabinay, and Santa Catalina. The distribution in Jimalalud is scheduled for Oct. 26.
Beneficiaries in the province are receiving PHP501 per day for their 20-day engagement.
Payouts in Siquijor are still pending.
Project LAWA at BINHI is a flagship DSWD initiative that combines community-based climate adaptation activities with cash assistance to strengthen food security and disaster resilience.
LAWA, or Local Adaptation to Water Access, focuses on improving water availability through interventions such as water harvesting, small-scale water storage facilities, and watershed rehabilitation.
BINHI, or Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished, promotes food security through community gardens, crop production, and the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The 20-day intervention combines five days of cash-for-training activities on climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture with 15 days of cash-for-work activities involving community projects, including water-related infrastructure and crop planting.
Through the program, DSWD seeks to provide immediate livelihood support while helping communities develop practical measures to cope with climate-related risks and improve their access to food and water. (PNA)