DSWD-2 assesses community groups’ readiness for El Niño

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 2 (DSWD-2) is assessing the preparedness of 27 partner community-based organizations (CBOs) in Cagayan Valley for the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.

The assessment was conducted through an online coordination meeting under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), focusing on the readiness of partner organizations to deal with possible prolonged dry spells and water shortages that could affect agricultural production and livelihood activities.

The participating organizations include Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs), Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), and Irrigators’ Associations (IAs).

The meeting also allowed the groups to discuss anticipated challenges and identify measures to minimize the effects of El Niño on their operations and the communities they serve.

DSWD-2, through EPAHP, is coordinating with partner organizations and other stakeholders to help sustain agricultural production, protect community livelihoods, and maintain the participation of CBOs in government institutional markets and food procurement initiatives.

The initiative seeks to strengthen community preparedness and inter-agency cooperation to help safeguard food security and livelihoods amid potential climate-related challenges.