The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) convened the first national Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting for the Risk Resiliency Program–Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (RRP-CCAM) for Project Local Adaptation to Water Access (LAWA) and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (BINHI) at the Central Office on Monday (June 1).

The meeting brought together representatives from national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), international organizations, and DSWD regional focal persons to strengthen collaboration and establish a more coordinated framework for climate adaptation and food security initiatives at the local level.

In her opening message, DRMG Undersecretary Diane Rose Cajipe underscored the importance of sustaining collaborative efforts in addressing the growing threats posed by climate change.

“Your presence today is a testament to our shared resolve to address the dual challenges of water scarcity and food insecurity through the Risk Resiliency Program for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Today marks a significant milestone as we transition from the foundational successes of 2023 to 2025 into a more consolidated nationwide effort,” Undersecretary Cajipe said.

Following the opening remarks, Director Maria Isabel Lanada of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) presented the updated implementation guidelines for the program, highlighted accomplishments from 2023 to 2025, and discussed the operational directions for the nationwide rollout of the initiative for calendar year 2026.

Director Lanada emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation among partner agencies and stakeholders in advancing localized climate resilience efforts and addressing the impacts of El Niño and La Niña on vulnerable communities.

The members of the national TWG likewise reviewed inter-agency commitments, identified areas for collaboration, and discussed strategies to sustain the long-term impact of the program across regions.

Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DRMG highlighted the broader significance of Project LAWA at BINHI in addressing both climate vulnerabilities and poverty.

“Project LAWA at BINHI as a nature-based solution not only addresses the challenges of the present times but also contributes to reducing poverty. Please be assured that all of your contributions and manifestations will be thoroughly reviewed to determine how we can further advance our respective mandates,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

Project LAWA at BINHI is among the DSWD’s flagship nature-based interventions aimed at helping climate-vulnerable and food-insecure communities improve water accessibility and agricultural productivity through the cash-for-training and work (CFTW) modality.

The initiative also seeks to equip beneficiaries with climate-resilient farming practices and sustainable resource management skills while providing temporary income opportunities to vulnerable sectors.

Through the continued implementation of the program, the DSWD and its partner stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to strengthening community resilience and ensuring that no vulnerable sector is left behind amid the growing impacts of climate change. (CC)