DHSUD, San Juan distribute aid to fire victims in Isla, Brgy. Batis

Housing and San Juan City officials lead the distribution of aid to fire victims.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has extended financial assistance to 106 families who lost their homes during a fire in Isla, barangay Batis, San Juan.

Each beneficiary received P15,000 to aid in their recovery efforts.

This initiative is part of the department’s Integrated Disaster Assistance Program Phase 1, which is the Emergency Response-Emergency Shelter Support to ensuring the well-being and resilience of communities in the face of disasters.

“Kayo po (San Juan) ang kauna-unahang tatanggap ng tinatawag na Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program. Ito po ‘yung program ng DHSUD na magbigay ng financial assistance sa mga tinamaan ng kalamidad,” DHSUD Undersecratery Randy Escolango said.

(You [San Juan] are the very first recipients of what is called the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program. This is the program of DHSUD that provides financial assistance to those affected by calamities.)

The undersecretary lauded San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora’s unwavering dedication and proactive efforts in ensuring the swift communication and coordination with the department for the timely disbursement of aid to the fire victims in Isla.

This collaboration not only facilitated the efficient distribution of funds but also distinguished San Juan as the pioneering beneficiary of this vital program in the Philippines.

Zamora also took the opportunity to discuss the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, a pivotal initiative by the national government.

This program will construct prefabricated homes for beneficiaries, providing them with temporary yet secure housing for 1 1/2 to 2 years until the completion of their permanent public housing buildings in F. Manalo Street in barangay Batis.

During their stay, beneficiaries will be exempted from paying rent, alleviating their financial burdens as they will only be responsible for electric and water bills.

Zamora strongly encouraged eligible families who are fire victims to apply, emphasizing the program’s potential to significantly improve their quality of life and provide a stable foundation for their future.

READ: Fire hits residential area in San Juan City

The mayor thanked Housing Secretary Jerry Acuzar, Usec. Rovin Feliciano, Usec. Randy Escolango, and Regional Director Norman Doral for all the support of the department from financial assistance, to building prefabricated homes, to the actual housing units.