DSWD launches LAWA to combat El Niño in 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the Local Adaptation to Water Access or Project LAWA to fight the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to intensify in early 2024.

“This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering early actions that contribute to long-term resilience and sustainability in the face of climate-related challenges,” said Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

He noted that the DSWD is closely working with the Department of Agriculture and the UN World Food Programme on the project. 

Project LAWA’s framework, he said, is focused on the construction of small farm reservoirs strategically placed in select towns for 15 days.

Each reservoir is constructed within a 20x25-square meter area with a maximum depth of 50 feet. 

These reservoirs are intended to serve as vital water sources for communities during periods of drought or dry spells. 

The initial phase of the project’s implementation was carried out in the municipalities of Aguinaldo, Alfonso and Hungduan in Ifugao (Luzon); Sebaste, Barbaza and Sibalom in Antique (Visayas); and Laak, Monkayo and Compostela in Davao de Oro (Mindanao). 

The strategic locations were chosen based on the expected severity of El Niño’s impact in these areas.

Meanwhile, Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles lauded President Marcos’ recent order to complete all water-related projects by April 2024.

“The President’s order signifies the government’s commitment to protect our people from the harsh effects of the coming drought. I hope that our agencies tasked with overseeing these projects will not only comply but seek to exceed expectations,” he said.

The Philippines could potentially face the worst drought it has experienced in decades after only 10 typhoons – from an annual average of 20 – entered the country so far this year, he added.

The Department of Science and Technology reported that the country will likely experience “moderate to severe drought conditions” from February to May 2024, with 77 percent of provinces expected to be in drought by the end of May.

Despite the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s assurance of its