DSWD XI, academe conduct consultation for Project LAWA

THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) conducted a research consultation with the Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. (RMC) for the conceptualization of the Project LAWA: Local Adaptation to Water Access pilot implementation assessment on Jan. 5, 2023.

Given the recent projections from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOSTPAGASA), underlining the prolonged impact of El Niño on various provinces until the second quarter of 2024, the practicality of the small farm reservoirs (SFRs) constructed by beneficiaries has become evident amid the ongoing drought.

These SFRs have emerged as vital resources, supplementing the water needs of farmers for both their crops and livestock.

With plans for the fullscale rollout of this program this year, the DSWD XI took proactive measures to assess the initial impact on beneficiaries during its pilot implementation in the province of Davao de Oro.

The consultation convened esteemed research experts from RMC-Davao City Campus and DSWD XI representatives from DRMD and the Policy Development and Planning

Section (PDPS) whose joint efforts were directed toward outlining and conceptualizing the study’s trajectory.

Representing the RMC-Davao City Campus were Dr. Annbeth B. Calla, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. King Pa Top, Prof. Cristina C. Ariate, Prof. Jasmin O. Mante, and Prof. Reynaldo S. Dapedran.

DSWD XI was represented by DRMD Chief Dahlia S. Padillo, Social Marketing Officer III Ezri M. Coda Jr., and Project Development Officer III Karen C. Gayonan, who serves as the Project LAWA focal person. PDPS was represented by Planning Officer IV Noel A. Acampado and Project Development Officer III Grace Marie R. Canoy.

The said endeavor between the agency and the partner academe will be sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding scheduled this week.

With this joint commitment to assessment and adaptation, both institutions aim to pave the way for more resilient and sustainable solutions, empowering communities in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.