The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) activated its shelter clusters nationwide in preparation for the effects of Typhoon ‘Marce’ on the housing sector.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said he instructed officials of his department to initiate efforts even before the landfall of ‘Marce’ in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives.
Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s call for preparedness of all member-agencies in anticipation to the possible effects of the weather disturbance.
Acuzar said nationwide alertness is necessary due to weather forecast of severe winds and hazards affecting regions near coastal waters.
“Activating our teams on the ground days before landfall will better position our responses to ensure faster delivery of DHSUD services,” he said.
“All regional directors are enjoined to convene a meeting with the respective shelter cluster members within the region and develop a plan of action using all resources and interventions available,” the memorandum read.
DHSUD is the head of the national government shelter cluster.
For post-disaster efforts, DHSUD is extending unconditional cash assistance from its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) to victims of calamities, man-made or natural.
Under IDSAP, the agency provides unconditional cash assistance amounting to P30,000 for those with totally damaged houses due to calamities, man-made or natural, and P10,000 for partially damaged homes.
