DHSUD prepares ‘Minda’ quake victims’ aid

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has ordered its regional offices to expedite the provision of financial assistance for families affected by the 6.8 magnitude tremor that recently hit southern Philippines.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said that the order is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to extend necessary aid to quake victims in Mindanao.

The agency's Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango, on the other hand, said that the DHSUD — through its concerned regional offices — immediately activated the regional shelter clusters early last week for this purpose.

Aside from providing shelter-grade tarpaulins, Acuzar instructed concerned regional directors to closely coordinate with the affected local government units and facilitate the immediate release of financial aid for families with totally destroyed houses.

Under the DHSUD's Rental Subsidy and Financial Assistance Program, families with totally damaged homes may receive up to P10,000 in cash aid.

Meantime, Escolango said that Regional Office 11 and 12 are constantly monitoring the situation, keeping the management updated on the extent of damages to ensure that the needed support is aptly provided.

At least 673 houses were reported as totally damaged in the two aforementioned regions, subject for validation of the said regional offices and endorsement to the Central Office for review and approval of release of funding.

Under National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum No. 01, s. 2022, as amended by Memorandum No. 05, s. 2022, the DHSUD was tasked to lead the Shelter Cluster to assess emergency shelter needs and provide shelter assistance and other relevant support services for disaster-affected communities.