700 Baliwagenyos Receive ₱11, 400 Under DSWD Projects

A total of 700 Baliwagenyos received ₱11,400 each under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (D.S.W.D.) projects — Local Adaptation to Water Access (LAWA) and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (BINHI) — after completing 20 days of community-based work focused on environmental protection, climate resilience, and food security.

The wage distribution was conducted on July 14, after all beneficiaries successfully completed 20 days of community-based employment under the two D.S.W.D. livelihood programs. 

Each participant received ₱11,400 in compensation for their service, recognizing their contributions to various environmental and community development initiatives implemented throughout the city.

The beneficiaries were engaged in activities that directly support both environmental conservation and food security. Throughout the 20-day employment period, they participated in the cleaning, clearing, and rehabilitation of waterways and drainage systems, helping improve water access, reduce the risk of flooding, and maintain cleaner public spaces. 

Project LAWA is one of the D.S.W.D.’s climate-adaptive social protection initiatives designed to help vulnerable communities respond to the growing impacts of climate change. 

The program supports activities that improve water access, protect local ecosystems, and strengthen communities against the effects of drought, flooding, and other climate-related hazards.

Complementing this effort is Project BINHI, which promotes food security by encouraging the establishment of urban gardens and sustainable agricultural practices. 

Participants also took part in establishing and maintaining urban gardens and community vegetable plots, initiatives that encourage sustainable food production and contribute to the city’s broader efforts to strengthen local food security.

Through community gardening and vegetable production, the program seeks to help households increase access to nutritious food while promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The projects also not only provided temporary employment but also enabled beneficiaries to actively contribute to programs that create long-term benefits for their communities. 

By combining livelihood assistance with environmental stewardship, the initiatives encourage residents to become active partners in building a more resilient and sustainable Baliwag.

Beyond the financial assistance received by beneficiaries, the implementation of Projects LAWA and BINHI reflects the government’s continuing strategy of integrating social welfare programs with climate adaptation and community development. 

Instead of providing short-term assistance alone, the initiatives allow participants to earn income while carrying out projects that improve public infrastructure, protect natural resources, and enhance the overall well-being of their communities.

The City Government of Baliwag expressed its sincere appreciation to the D.S.W.D. for its continued trust and partnership in implementing programs that create meaningful employment opportunities while addressing pressing environmental and social concerns.

City officials also recognized the dedication of the 700 beneficiaries whose collective efforts contributed to cleaner waterways, healthier urban gardens, and stronger community participation in environmental protection. 

They emphasized that such collaborative initiatives demonstrate how national government programs, when implemented in partnership with local government units, can generate both immediate economic relief and lasting developmental benefits.

With the successful completion of this batch of beneficiaries, the City Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting future livelihood and community-based initiatives that empower residents, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable development. 

Officials likewise expressed hope that similar programs will continue to provide opportunities for Baliwagenyos while advancing the city’s goals of environmental conservation, disaster preparedness, and improved food security for all.