BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region is strengthening its partnership with national government agencies, and local government units to mitigate the impact of El Niño on the supply of water and food production through the Risk Resiliency Program or RRP.

The RRP, with the DSWD’s Cash for Training and Work (CFTW), involves the implementation of projects LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access), and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) in the Cordillera provinces.

The RRP-CFTW for Project LAWA is focused on enhancing water access and water management in communities affected by drought through the establishment or rehabilitation of small farm reservoirs, and water harvesting facilities, among others.

Project BINHI is concentrated on training and works on climate-resilient, and sustainable agricultural practices that include urban gardening, and the planting of climate and disaster-resilient crops and fruit bearing trees.

DSWD OIC Regional Director Enrique Gascon Jr. recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Agriculture, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and representatives of different local government units for the RRP- CFTW implementation.  

The DSWD CAR also led an RRP-CFTW orientation and workshop for the national government agencies, and local government unit partners.

Gascon outlined the importance of collaboration for RRP implementation, which aims not only to empower vulnerable communities with vital skills, but also to foster economic empowerment, thereby creating a sustainable framework for resilience-building.

“I am confident that today’s activity will not only foster greater synergy among our stakeholders, but will also catalyze tangible progress towards our shared objectives of resilience, sustainability, and inclusive development. Let us harness the spirit of collaboration and innovation as we embark on this journey together,” Gascon said.

The DSWD has allotted around P71.7 million under the RRP-CFTW for the implementation of projects in 32 target municipalities in the region that will benefit over 8,000 beneficiaries, including farmers, fisherfolks, senior citizens, women, and other vulnerable groups. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)