The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has activated its local shelter cluster teams in areas expected to be hit by Super Typhoon "Mawar" (international name).
The DHSUD’s pro-active measure seeks to ensure the readiness of the concerned Regional Offices (ROs) for the impact of Mawar, which will be locally called typhoon "Betty" once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Through a memorandum order, Undersecretary for Regional Operations Lyle Pasco designated Regions 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and BARMM as priority areas.
He also instructed regional directors to convene their respective shelter clusters to monitor related developments within their areas of responsibility.
“Per instruction of Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, we have discussed the needs and actions to take knowing that this is a super typhoon. As part of our functions during calamities, close coordination with other concerned agencies is being intensified led by our regional personnel,” Pasco said.
In addition, he noted that DSHUD has experts on ground to provide real-time and reliable reports which helps the Department in making immediate actions and tap other resources, if needed.
Pasco said regional shelter clusters were also tasked to facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance for possible untoward effects of the typhoon.
“Aside from monitoring the needs for emergency shelter during and after typhoons, we get to assess areas that may have become new spot for danger zones. This helps us discuss with local government units in updating their Comprehensive Land Use Plan,” he said.
During calamities, DHSUD local shelter teams coordinate with the Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other concerned government agencies to harmonize efforts in providing assistance to affected families.
Mawar is expected to enter PAR as a super typhoon late Friday or early Saturday, per the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).