At least 340 residents of Siquijor province have benefitted from the PHP1.4 million cash subsidy released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Shalaine Marie Lucero, DSWD-Central Visayas director, said the beneficiaries underwent a cash-for-work program and training activities to equip them with skills in disaster resiliency.

It was implemented through the agency’s Risk and Resiliency Program (RRP).

The recipients were taught how to create communal gardens and to reforest watersheds, as well as trained for their livelihood, water rescue, and basic life support.

“The project, (as) proposed by the province of Siquijor, aimed to enhance the resiliency of the community to natural disasters, increase its adaptive capacities through sustainable livelihood, capacitate and equip their vulnerable and disadvantaged constituents with knowledge and skills through short courses and demonstrations, and improve the overall health of watersheds,” Lucero said in a statement on Thursday.

Each beneficiary received PHP4,350 for their 10-day actual training and work, a pay based on the regional wage rate.

The beneficiaries live near disaster-prone areas or geographically isolated and disadvantageous areas.

RRP is a convergence program tailored to operationalize the Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction Cabinet Cluster’s mission of creating climate and disaster-resilient Filipino communities. (PNA)