The local government unit of Sipalay, through its City Agriculture Office, conducted a two-day Project Lawa at Binhi sustainability training last week at the New Government Center in Brgy. Gil Montilla.
Project Lawa at Binhi, a flagship initiative by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, proactively addresses climate change impacts, like El Niño and La Niña.
It aims to build climate-resilient communities by tackling water scarcity and food insecurity through two core components: the Lawa or Local Adaptation to Water Access, and Binhi, or Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished.
Lawa is designed to improve water management, primarily by constructing and rehabilitating small farm reservoirs and other water harvesting facilities; while Binhi aims to promote sustainable food production by establishing communal vegetable gardens, encouraging urban gardening, and planting disaster-resilient crops, the city said.
The project utilizes a cash-for-training and cash-for-work program, providing temporary employment and financial assistance while equipping beneficiaries with essential skills.
A key to its success is project sustainability training, which empowers communities to maintain and expand project gains long-term. This training covers capacity building, community ownership, innovative practices, and institutionalization through local resolutions, while future plans include market linkages and agri-tourism.
The project has seen significant success, recognized by the UNDRR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) for its innovative approach to climate resilience, demonstrating a powerful model for empowering vulnerable communities.
The primary beneficiaries of this project in Sipalay are the Nauhang Farmers Association, the Tugas Farmer Beneficiaries of Small Water Irrigation System Association, and the Binotusan Farmers Association. ||
