At least 946 partner beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga Region’s (DSWD-13) project geared toward climate change mitigation and risk resiliency received over PHP7.2 million in salaries during three-day payout operations conducted last week across four provinces of the region.

The payouts followed the recent completion of a 20-day work period by the recipients on their respective community projects under Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) at BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished).

In a statement on Monday, DSWD-13 said the distributions were conducted on separate occasions from May 27 to 31 in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Sur.

On May 31, some 296 beneficiaries from seven barangays in Mainit, Surigao del Norte received salaries of PHP7,700 each after completing their 20 days of work.

On the same say, 300 beneficiaries from five towns in Tubay, Agusan del Norte also got their salaries under the program. Separate payouts were also conducted on May 29 in Tago, Surigao del Sur, benefiting 100 individuals, and on May 28 in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, where 250 residents received their payments.

“These partner beneficiaries are active participants in Project LAWA at BINHI-Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished,” the DSWD-13 said.

The program addresses food and water insecurity in disaster-vulnerable communities, focusing on crucial initiatives such as communal gardening, banana farming, and the construction of small farm reservoirs. (PNA)