31/08/2026
LOOK | 2nd Experiential Exchange Learning Visit in the Local Government Unit of Badoc, Batac and Dingras, Ilocos Norte
The Project LAWA at BINHI (PLAB) Central Office, in collaboration with DSWD Field Office 1, successfully conducted the 2nd Experiential Exchange Learning Visit (EELV) focused on “Organizing Resiliency through Community-Driven Development” on 24–28 August 2026 in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
Ms. Christina Lopez Tatoy, Resource Person, led the discussion on the Basics of Community Organizing, Community Development, and Community-Driven Development—concepts that are deeply interconnected and highly relevant to the implementation of Project LAWA at BINHI. She emphasized that RRP-CCAM Focals enter communities not simply to implement a project, but to work alongside communities, build relationships, strengthen their capacities, and create meaningful and lasting change with them.
Following the discussion, Mr. Rainheart Arce, National Focal of Project LAWA at BINHI, introduced the EELV Framework, anchored on three stages: Pagdama, Pag-aanalisa, at Pagkilos/Paggawa. The framework encourages implementers to look beyond project sites, harvests, and income generated. It calls for a deeper appreciation of the relationships between partner-beneficiaries and LGUs, community leadership, decision-making processes, existing capacities, and resources that can contribute to sustained community resilience.
Through the EELV Framework, the implementers were able to engage with communities more meaningfully, document experiences, and capture best practices, lessons, and stories of resilience that can inspire and inform the continuing implementation of Project LAWA at BINHI.
The activity concluded with a powerful reminder from the National Focal:
“Sustainability should not come after implementation—it must be considered and nurtured even before implementation begins.
Because when communities are organized, empowered, and actively involved in shaping their own development, resilience becomes more than a project outcome—it becomes a community-owned journey.
Ang kwento ay hindi nagtatapos dito. Ang kaalaman ay patuloy na umaagos. Ang mga aral ay patuloy na tumutubo. At ang pagkilos ay patuloy na mamumunga sa komunidad.”
