MANSALAY, ORIENTAL MINDORO — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Offiice MIMAROPA, through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), successfully conducted a training and experiential learning activity titled “Fostering Community through Community Organizing and Development” in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, from June 30 to July 4, 2025.

The five-day event aimed to strengthen the capacity of project implementers by equipping them with practical skills, knowledge, and strategies to effectively engage communities and address pressing local challenges.

Immersive field experiences were also included in the activity to gain first-hand insights from stakeholders and beneficiaries involved in the implementation of Project LAWA at BINHI.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations and DRMD Division Chief Sheila S. Tapia led the capability building activity and participated by DSWD Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) Leaders, regional and provincial Risk Resiliency Program (RRP) focal persons, and DRMD staff.

Further, RRP focal persons were able to present their accomplishments, best practices, and the challenges encountered during the implementation in their respective provinces.

Director Tapia delivered a message emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming implementation challenges and reaffirmed DSWD’s commitment to supporting the project.

She also provided technical assistance and strategic guidance to the participants, helping them navigate key issues and strengthen their local implementation of Project LAWA at BINHI.

Participants actively engaged in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with partner beneficiaries and the Technical Working Group (TWG) of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, where stakeholders shared valuable insights, experiences, and recommendations on Project LAWA at BINHI.

The FGD highlighted both the project’s impact and key challenges, helping the LGU of Mansalay and DSWD MIMAROPA refine their interventions for greater effectiveness.