The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Thursday distributed unconditional cash assistance and home materials and essentials (HOMEs) to typhoon-affected families in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes.
More than P6 million in cash assistance under DHSUD’s Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) was given out to more than 350 families during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair held in Legazpi City.
Among the recipients of IDSAP were seven families from Camalig; six from Daraga; 31 from Guinobatan; 32 from Libon; 15 from Oas; 10 from Pio Duran; 33 from Polangui, and 20 from Tabaco City–all had totally damaged houses. They received P30,000 each.
Those who received P10,000 for their partially damaged residences were 186 families from Daraga; nine from Oas; five from Pio Duran, and two in Polangui.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said that the distribution of shelter aid is pursuant to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s directive for all government agencies to extend assistance to victims of the recent typhoons.
“Kami po sa DHSUD ay patuloy na tutugon sa bilin ng mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. na tulungan makabangon ang ating mga kababayan,” Secretary Acuzar said.
“Kasama po ang DHSUD sa patuloy na pag andar ng conveyor belt of aid na utos ng Pangulo para sa mga nasalanta ng kalamidad,” he added.
Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango, who represented Secretary Acuzar, personally oversaw the humanitarian mission at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City along with DHSUD Regional Office 5 Director Richard Manila, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Service Director Mario Mallari and other housing officials.
Prior to the Legazpi City event, Undersecretary Escolango joined House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Partylist Representative and House Appropriations Committee chairman Zaldy Co in Virac, Catanduanes for a separate humanitarian mission.
Some P15 million worth of home materials and essentials (HOMEs) were delivered to Catanduanes for distribution to typhoon victims.
“Ang utos po ni Secretary Jerry Acuzar ay agarang tulong sa mga biktima ng kalamidad. Kaya mabilis ang pagtugon ng DHSUD sa tuwing may mga disasters,” Undersecretary Escolango said.
Last week, the DHSUD also delivered 1,000 home materials and essentials (HOMEs), worth about P14 million, in Naga City and Camarines Sur.
Another batch of HOMEs amounting to P22 million are set to be delivered to Camarines Sur and Naga City in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
