DHSUD’ assistance program to include ‘partially damaged’ houses

Residents clean their houses in the aftermath of severe flooding brought about by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon on July 25, 2024. —photo by Jam Sta Rosa/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Monday said homeowners whose houses were “partially damaged” by Supertyphoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, will also be included in its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP).

Initially, IDSAP only provided shelter support of P15,000 for “totally damaged” houses.

But in a Bagong Pilipinas Briefing, DHSUD Usec. Randy Escolango announced that the department’s chief, Sec. Jose Rizalino Acuzar has ordered the inclusion of “partially damaged” houses in the program.

READ: Carina evacuees get aid: 3,000 in Navotas, 10,000 in Marikina

“We will also include partially damaged houses in the coverage, and we are already preparing the guidelines, which if approved within the day,will now be able to help more of our countrymen that have been affected,” said Escolango.

Qualified beneficiaries, said Escolango, must be heads of households and be registered with their respective local government units.

Furthermore, qualified beneficiaries must not be receiving shelter assistance from government agencies or non-government organizations.

Asked how much budget the program has, Esclonangco said the IDSAP had a budget of P200 million, with P193 million yet to be allocated.

Because of this, he expressed optimism that all those who will apply for the program would be accommodated.