QUEZON CITY - The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has committed P261.5 million to the national government's efforts in addressing the adverse effects of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19).
In a letter submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday, April 30, DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario certified that the department will discontinue the utilization of a total of P261,550,000 for 2020.
The amount was programmed for the Resettlement Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) worth P250 million; the National Urban Planning Policy Program worth P500,000; the P6.85 million allocation for vehicle acquisition, among others.
"Rest assured that we will strictly observe the economy measures being undertaken by the national government brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019," Secretary Del Rosario stated.
The DHSUD chief stressed that the department will work doubly hard to ensure the delivery of its mandate and provide services despite the austerity measures to be undertaken.
Apart from the belt-tightening steps at the DHSUD Central Office, one of the department's key shelter agencies, the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), has also committed more than P21.1 Million to the national government.
In a recent meeting, Secretary Del Rosario, acting as chairman of SHFC Board of Trustees, has approved the discontinuance of P21,119,155 worth of projects and programs.
Among these were the P1.1 million allotted for Customer Relations and Complaints Division; P9,250,000 worth of activities of the Human Resources Development Division; P8,041,905 worth of trainings, assemblies and seminars of the Insurance and Community Enhancement Division; P2,077,250 allocation for activities of the Partner Relations Division, and P650,000 fund for Strategic Communications Division.
“As one with the national government in the fight against COVID-19, we should find ways on how to provide much-needed funds in anticipation of the long-term effects of the pandemic,” Secretary Del Rosario said.
“The government needs to sustain its efforts to assist our countrymen cope-up with the adverse effects of the community quarantine and finally defeat the COVID-19,” he added.
The move to cut expenses was in compliance with the National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 580 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) urging all departments and agencies to adopt austerity measures amid the COVID-19 crisis.