TACLOBAN CITY — Several local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas were recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for their exemplary implementation of Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and Project BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) — two flagship initiatives that address water scarcity, food insecurity, and climate change impacts in vulnerable communities.
The recognition was held during a learning summit organized by DSWD Field Office VIII, which showcased the achievements and best practices of partner LGUs that have successfully integrated water access and food production initiatives into their local development strategies.
Among the most outstanding Project LAWA implementers were the municipalities of Dolores, Eastern Samar; Lope de Vega, Northern Samar; Sta. Rita, Samar; and Libagon, Southern Leyte.
For Project BINHI, top implementers included Salcedo, Eastern Samar; Lope de Vega, Northern Samar; Sta. Margarita, Samar; and Anahawan, Southern Leyte.
The Bayanihan Excellence Award was conferred on Oras, Eastern Samar and San Roque, Northern Samar for their strong collaboration in carrying out project activities, while Oras, Eastern Samar and Pambujan, Northern Samar received the Policy Integration Award for successfully incorporating Project LAWA and BINHI into their local development plans and ordinances.
Recognized as most compliant LGUs were Salcedo, Eastern Samar; Capul, Northern Samar; Sta. Margarita, Samar; and San Juan, Southern Leyte, while the most replicable LGU practice award went to Balangiga, Eastern Samar; Lapinig, Northern Samar; and Catbalogan City, Samar for their innovative and scalable project practices.
According to DSWD-8, the summit provided a venue for sharing success stories, lessons, and strategies to sustain and expand the projects’ positive outcomes in the coming years.
This year alone, more than 3,900 beneficiaries across Eastern Visayas have been assisted under Projects LAWA and BINHI, with over P31 million in cash grants distributed.
Beyond financial aid, the initiatives have improved access to clean water, enhanced food security, and strengthened livelihood resilience among communities most affected by climate change.
Implemented through the Cash-for-Training and Work (CFTW) scheme, the twin projects support climate-smart farming, the establishment of communal vegetable farms, and the construction of modern water storage facilities—helping communities adapt and thrive amid changing environmental conditions.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
