9,978 partner-beneficiaries of Risk Resiliency Program (RRP) – Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) at BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for Imporverish) in Region 1 receive their payment for attending 20 days of Cash-for-Training (CFT) and Cash-for-Work (CFW) in Region 1.

The total number of partner-beneficiaries is from the 20 selected Local Government Units (LGUs) across the Region. The said LGUs are based on the Climate Outlook of DOST-PAGASA last December 2023.

The partner-beneficiaries received PhP8,700.00 after undergoing 5 days of CFT and 15 days of CFW.

Aside from the financial aid, the partner-beneficiaries now harvesting vegetables from communal gardens and using the Project LAWAs as water sources.

In total, 106 Project LAWA were developed and rehabilitated, including small farm reservoirs, springs, tube wells, and water systems. These projects are estimated to cater 617,475 square meters of agricultural land.

Meanwhile,  314 communal gardens were established through Project BINHI, with a total area of 145,367 square meters. Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)  Vegetable Industry Profile, these communal gardens were estimated to produce 120,018 kilograms of food per year that can feed an estimated 165 families with 5 members. 

The Project LAWA at BINHI aims not only to provide temporary income to the vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors but a sustainable and long term intervention to address water scarcity and food insufficiency through CFT and CFW with the help of the partner agencies, LGUs, and partner-beneficiaries. (by Henry J. Juyno, Information Officer II, Social Marketing Unit)