QUEZON CITY (PIA) — Government shelter clusters along the path of Typhoon “Pepito” were activated by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to ensure readiness for the possible impact of the weather disturbance.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the move was meant to keep the proactive stance of DHSUD-Regional Offices (ROs) and ensure readiness to extend assistance.
“Hindi tayo mapapagod sa pagbibigay tulong sa panahon ng sakuna sa ating mga kababayan. Patuloy lang ang DHSUD sa paghahanap ng paraan upang mas makatulong pa sa mga nasasalanta ng kalamidad,” Secretary Acuzar said.
“Kasama po ang DHSUD sa hangarin ng mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tuluy-tuloy na ayuda sa ating mga kababayan,” he added
On Saturday, DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum ordering concerned ROs to keep their respective shelter clusters activated for Typhoons” Nika” and “Ofel”, and the activation for Typhoon” Pepito.”
The activation of the shelter clusters stemmed from NDRRMC’s issuance of Memoranda No. 310 and 352 Series of 2024 in preparations for the effects of Typhoons “Nika”, “Ofel” and “Pepito.”
“In view of the foregoing, all concerned DHSUD Regional Offices are hereby directed to activate your respective shelter clusters effective 16 November 2024 8:00am in connection with Typhoon Pepito to closely monitor your respective areas of jurisdiction, and to facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance as needed, ” the memo stated.
“Regional shelter clusters shall also continue to be activated in connection with Typhoons Nika and Ofel,” it added.
After the recent havoc wrecked by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine”, the DHSUD, in partnership with Metrobank Foundation Inc., distributed home materials and essentials (HOMEs) to families affected by “Kristine” in the provinces of Batangas and Camarines Sur.
More than 1,500 HOMEs, provided by MFI and Ayala, were delivered.
Apart from HOMEs, DHSUD also extends unconditional cash assistance to families whose houses are destroyed or damaged by calamities, man-made or naturally-induced.
Under DHSUD’s Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP), the Department can provide P30,000 to families whose houses are totally damaged and P10,000 for those with partially damaged houses. (DHSUD)
