DSWD FO6 is represented by Regional Director Atty. Carmelo N. Nochete, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) represented by Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office 6 represented by Regional Technical Director Zarlina B. Cuello and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 6 represented by Local Government Capability Development Section head Anthony Ian G. Andaleza.

The MOU will serve as commitment of support by partner-agencies to ensure the appropriate, effective and timely implementation of the Project LAWA and BINHI under DSWD’s Risk Resiliency Program to combat the effects of El Niño and reduce the vulnerabilities of communities and families to climate and disaster risks. Dr. Maria Isabel Lanada, Special Asst. to the Secretary for Special Projects is also present virtually to present the overview of Project LAWA and BINHI.

Also, attendance to witness the MOU signing were DSWD FO6 Asst. Regional Director for Operations Arwin Razo, DRMD Chief Erlyn Garcia, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 6 Admin and Finance Section Celeste Reteracion Milan, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Remia A. Aparri and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 6 Labor and Employment Officer III Jannielyn L. Magbanua.

Project LAWA or Local Adaptation to Water Access aims to implement activities focused on addressing water insufficiency through the construction of small farm reservoirs (SFR), repair and rehabilitation of water harvesting facilities, repair of multi-purpose water infrastructures and diversification of water supplies.

Project BINHI of Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished focuses on activities addressing food insecurity through communal school-based, community-based vegetable gardening, community-based diversified integrated farming, planting disaster resilient crops, fruit bearing trees, mangroves, aqua-and hydroponics, aquaculture and vermicomposting.

(dswd6/ with inputs from Frances Salcedo, BA Journalism-WVSU)