The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office (FO) Caraga, through its Risk Resiliency Program (RRP), is hosting a three-day RRP Technical Working Group (TWG) Forum and Regional Strategic Planning Workshop from February 10 to 12, 2025, at the Watergate Hotel in Butuan City.
The event, which brings together Provincial and Local Government Unit (P/LGU) RRP focal persons and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs) to enhance regional collaboration and strengthen strategic planning for the successful implementation of Project LAWA and BINHI in 2025.
Now in its second year, the program aims to refine implementation strategies to prioritize the most vulnerable sectors and ensure they fully understand the project’s significance. Beyond addressing immediate needs for food and water, the initiative emphasizes that community participation not only meets these urgent demands but also contributes to global climate action by mitigating key drivers of climate change, such as global warming.
Dr. Maria Isabel Lanada, Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) for Special Projects, underscored the importance of community ownership:“Kailangan ipaintindi sa kanila ang proyekto hanggang sa ariin nila ang proyekto, hanggang sa ituloy nila kahit na wala ng sweldo dahil naiintindihan nila ang proyekto—sila na mismo ay magpapahalaga nito.” (“We must help them internalize the project until they take ownership of it, continuing its work even without compensation because they understand and value its purpose.”)
Last year, FO Caraga empowered 7,330 beneficiaries of Project LAWA and BINHI, equipping them with skills and resources to cultivate sustainable food sources.
In her welcome message, FO Caraga Director Mari-Flor Dollaga highlighted the project’s broader impact: “I believe Project LAWA at BINHI is more than just a program—it is a lifeline for communities grappling with the effects of climate change and resource shortages. Through this project, we strive to empower local communities by enhancing their adaptive capacities, ensuring access to clean water, and providing the necessary tools to build a more sustainable future.”
To address implementation challenges, FO Caraga partnered with national agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This collaboration ensures sustainable execution through shared expertise and resources, securing long-term success for the project.
