Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Amid the looming impact of the El Niño phenomenon, a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) official assured the public on Thursday, Dec. 14 that the agency is ready to assist poor and vulnerable communities.
“On the part of the DSWD, we are committed to help in responding to the impacts of the El Niño, especially to the poor and vulnerable sectors,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Irene Dumlao said.
Dumlao, who also serves as the agency’s data privacy officer and co-spokesperson, said the DSWD is working with all government agencies to mitigate the effects of a strong El Niño event that is expected to last until mid-2024.
She noted that the DSWD is part of the food security cluster under President Marcos Jr.’ El Niño national action plan.
The food security cluster, which is led by the Department of Agriculture, ensures a stable supply of key food commodities in anticipation of the dry spell and drought.
Dumlao said the DSWD is implementing various projects and programs in response to the President’s directive to national government agencies to prepare for the impending effects of the El Niño.
These include Project Local Adaptation to Water Access or “Project LAWA,” which aims to improve the resiliency of communities affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
“The Project LAWA aims to provide additional income support to poor communities, particularly farmers and fisherfolk’, as well as provide field community physical assets, such as water ponds that are vital for community economic activities,” she said.
Under the project, the DSWD will provide financial assistance as an alternative income in exchange for the work performed by the beneficiaries while constructing alternative water resources through its cash-for-training and cash-for-work programs.
Dumlao said the project, which is currently in its pilot implementation, aims to build 90 small farm reservoirs in nine local government units in Davao de Oro, Ifugao, and Antique.
Project LAWA is being implemented in partnership with the DA and the World Food Programme.
Dumlao also said the DSWD will provide family food packs and other cash-for-work programs to communities affected by the El Niño phenomenon. — Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
