Masbate – A recent monitoring visit and evaluation by focal persons of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol Field Office’s Risk Resiliency Program (RRP) to four implementing barangays—McArthur, Cantorna, Maglambong, and Sto. Niño in the Municipality of Monreal, Masbate—showcased the growing success of Project LAWA and BINHI. Beneficiaries from these areas are now enjoying significant financial benefits from the vegetables they have cultivated through the program.

The focal persons’ report highlighted the transformative impact of the project, noting how it continues to uplift lives and increase incomes in the community. Launched in June 2024, Project LAWA and BINHI aim to empower community members by providing them with the resources and knowledge needed to establish sustainable urban gardens and water conservation practices.

Since its inception, the project has enhanced food security within the community and created new income-generating opportunities for its partner-beneficiaries. In their initial harvest, the beneficiaries yielded 798 kilos of cucumbers, 96 kilos of pechay, 41 kilos of long beans, 14 kilos of bitter melon, and 16 kilos of sponge gourd, generating a total income of PHP 37,080.00.

The beneficiaries chose to sell their produce within their barangays at lower prices to support fellow residents.

This effort was fully backed by the Local Government Unit (LGU), which has been a strong supporter of the program. Fifty percent of the profits from the initial harvest were reinvested to expand their agricultural activities. This included purchasing additional seeds and supplies, and improving infrastructure for urban gardening, ensuring long-term sustainability and greater financial returns.

This success story is just one of many, as more beneficiaries continue to convert their harvests into profit, turning hard work into tangible financial gains. The recent evaluation confirmed that the project is effectively fostering resilience and self-reliance within the community.###