CAGANAYAN, TINEG, ABRA – The people of Tineg exemplify resilience and self-reliance, overcoming challenges such as limited access to resources, declining agricultural yields, and the harsh impacts of climate change. Rooted in farming and livestock raising, the community has taken a significant step toward sustainability through a communal garden project and the establishment of a water harvesting facility. These initiatives not only enhance food security but also strengthen cultural ties and foster a robust sense of community identity.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to introduce innovative programs to address climate change challenges while strengthening disaster risk reduction efforts under the Project Local Adaptation Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (LAWA and BINHI). Through the Cash-for-Training-and-Work approach, partner beneficiaries actively participate in building resilience within their communities, shaping a future that is both sustainable and self-sufficient.
Community consultations played a pivotal role in integrating traditional farming methods within the communal garden, ensuring that time-honored agricultural knowledge continues to be preserved. The newly established water harvesting facility marks a significant milestone, securing a sustainable water source for farming and further reinforcing the community’s commitment to resilience against climate change.
The collaboration among the Local Government Unit of Tineg, the Barangay Local Government Unit of Caganayan, and the DSWD was evident during the Cash-for-Training sessions. Tineg distinguished itself as the only municipality that provided food for its 200 beneficiaries during the training, further demonstrating its dedication to community welfare. Additionally, the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) provided technical assistance which ensured that the Project’s successful implementation and ongoing monitoring.
During a recent monitoring visit by the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) Provincial Focal and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) staff, beneficiaries expressed their sincere gratitude for the initiative, which has significantly improved food availability. The Implementation Team Leader Ms. Jenarie Balicao, , shared how their garden harvests are now being sold, providing an additional income source for the community.
“Once we have completed our tasks on our farms, we will shift our focus to maintaining the communal garden, which is vital for our community. This garden not only helps us provide fresh, nutritious vegetables for our daily meals but also fosters a sense of togetherness among us. We are dedicated to its upkeep, as it provides additional sources of income. As for the water harvesting facility, we plan to raise tilapia there, further supplementing our food needs,” Balicao shared.
Programs designed specifically for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), such as the Municipality of Tineg, represent a significant step toward addressing socio-economic challenges. The communal garden has greatly improved food accessibility, while the water harvesting facility in Caganayan ensures a stable water supply, allowing families to cultivate fresh produce and reduce dependence on external resources. Beyond food security, the initiative also creates economic opportunities for beneficiaries, encouraging local entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
Project LAWA at BINHI in Abra has successfully cultivated 50 kilograms of diverse lowland vegetables, benefiting 100 partner beneficiaries and positively impacting the broader community. Plans are underway to market their second harvest locally, ensuring continued sustainability. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even in geographically isolated areas, access to essential social services and sustainable development is possible. The people of Caganayan, Tineg, Abra, through their determination and unity, are paving the way toward a more empowered and self-reliant future. # DSWD-CAR Social Marketing Unit – Novelle G. Ongat, Information Officer II
