THE women leaders in the island municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental shared how the community-based climate resilience program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has empowered them as protectors of the environment.
The DSWD in Davao Region documented some testimonies from the officers and members of Camahual Women’s Association (CWA) in Barangay Camahual, as one way of assessing the successful implementation and impact of DSWD’s Project LAWA at BINHI as a recipient community.
DSWD said that from planning to implementation, the women’s voices and leadership became central to the community’s climate preparedness.
For Rizalyn Carpentero, 47, a mother of four and CWA president, imparted a realization that the project has not only empowered them as mothers and caregivers, but as protectors of the environment.
“Isip mga kababayen-an, nakita namo nga dako diay kaayo ang among papel sa pag atiman sa kinaiyahan ug sa among komunidad,” she said.
(As women, we realized that we have a big role in taking care of the environment and our community.)
CWA member Anita Guimba-an, 72, who actively joins the group’s activities, believes they can build a climate-resilient village for the next generation.
“Bisan sa akong edad, naga-tuo ko nga aduna gihapon koy papel, ilabi na sa pag amuma sa pamilya, pagtabang sa komunidad, ug pagpanalipod sa kinaiyahan,” shares Anita who raises four grandchildren on her own .
(Despite my age, I believe that I still have a role, especially in taking care of my family, helping the community, and protecting the environment.)
The women’s spouse and partner also take part in community tree-planting activities, assist in project logistics, and provide encouragement as their wives take active leadership roles.
DSWD said that this shared commitment to community and environment strengthens household unity and community cooperation.
“Together with their husbands and partners, the women of Camahual are not just planting seeds of resilience, they are cultivating a shared future of hope, unity, and sustainability, one step at a time.” PIA DAVAO
Meanwhile, in another part of Sarangani, DSWD Davao Region has successfully delivered assistance to local beneficiaries through the food-for-work component of Project LAWA at BINHI.
The agency explained that the food-for-work initiative offers alternative livelihood support through family food packs that the beneficiaries receive after engaging in meaningful and community-based activities.
Recipient Marvin Ebardo, 40, expressed his gratitude, saying that the program provided not only food assistance but also renewed hope for families in their community.
“Bisan pa sa kalayo sa among isla, naabot gyud mi sa DSWD ug padayon kaming ginagiyahan aron mahimong malungtaron ug malampuson ang among LAWA at BINHI,” he said.
(Even though how far our island is, DSWD has reached out to us and continues to guide us for our project LAWA at BINHI becomes prosperous and sustainable.)
“This approach helps build climate-resilient and self-reliant communities, while also promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship,” DSWD Davao Region stated. PIA DAVAO
