ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- The Iloilo City government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have partnered for a risk resiliency program that aims to help Ilonggos, enhance food security, and address water scarcity in the metro.

On Thursday, April 4, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and DSWD Region 6 director Carmelo Nochete signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the launch of "Project LAWA at BINHI," which has funding of over P18 million from the primary welfare agency of the government.

The Project LAWA at BINHI, which stands for Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished, is a project under the Risk Resiliency Program through Cash-for-Training and Work (RRP-CFTW).

RRP-CFTW is a proactive intervention and sustainable solution to combat hunger, alleviate poverty, and decrease the economic vulnerability of communities by addressing food security and water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and disasters.

The beneficiaries will get P450 compensation a day during the entire 20-day program.

Gelogo explained that their work will focus on container gardening and tree planting in different target areas, including the JPT Ediscape (edible landscaping) communal gardens and daycare centers across the city.

She added that beneficiaries will also construct a small farm reservoir, or Lawa, repair and rehabilitate the water harvesting facilities, diversify water supplies, repair multipurpose water infrastructures, and engage in other activities supporting water sufficiency.

Treñas said that the program will be a big help for the city, especially during the dry season when water and food security are in need.

It will also enhance the city government’s urban gardening project, as beneficiaries will plant resilient crops and vegetables and fruit-bearing trees, which can later on help the city’s supplemental feeding for children.

"We assure the DSWD that the funds given to us through the program will be well utilized and will benefit our residents in the barangays," Treñas added. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)