July 22, 2024– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI, led by Assistant Regional Director for Operations Arwin O. Razo and DRMD Chief Erlyn L. Garcia, successfully implemented the Risk Resiliency Program. Project LAWA and BINHI (Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) in the Municipality of San Dionisio, Iloilo.

The program, which concluded after 20 days of intensive Cash-for-Training and Work activities engaged 339 partner beneficiaries across 7 barangays, resulting in significant improvements to the community’s resilience and well-being, with the following Key Achievements:

Sustainable Fish Refuges (SFR): Four strategically located SFRs, each measuring 10 meters x 15 meters x 2 meters, were established, providing vital fish habitats and enhancing local biodiversity.

The program facilitated the establishment of four thriving vegetable gardens, covering a total area of 3,000 square meters. These gardens will provide fresh, nutritious food for the community, promoting food security and healthy living.

Four sites, encompassing a total area of 6,000 linear meters, were established to implement diversified farming systems. This approach promotes sustainable agriculture and increases food production diversity; Two sites, spanning five hectares, were dedicated to mangrove planting with 50,000 propagules successfully planted.This initiative contributes to coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and the restoration of vital mangrove ecosystems.

Five sites, covering a total land area of 25 hectares were transformed through the planting of 62,500 fruit trees and native trees. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity but also provides long-term benefits through fruit production and environmental conservation.

The program’s success is a direct result of the collaborative efforts of DSWD FO6, the Local Government Unit of San Dionisio, and the active participation of the partner beneficiaries. This initiative exemplifies how targeted interventions can create lasting positive impacts on the lives of individuals and the overall well-being of communities. DSWD FO6 remains dedicated to implementing similar programs across the region, fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all Filipinos.

(dswd6/Mylene Binondo/with edits of Frances Salcedo BA Journalism-WVSU)