The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has activated anew its emergency shelter clusters in anticipation of severe effects of tropical storm “Kristine” similar to what happened in Bicol region on Tuesday, Oct. 22
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said he already instructed the local officials of the department, especially those along the path of the weather disturbance, to prepare in order to maximize the assistance to the local residents.
"This is in line with the directive of the President to ensure all necessary assistance are prepared for our kababayans. We need to be proactive, “ said Acuzar.
The instructions for the activation of the shelter clusters, he said, was already relayed to the DHSUD regional offices in Ilocos Region (RO1), Cagayan Valley (RO2), Central Luzon (RO3), Calabarzon (RO4A), Mimaropa (4B), Bicol Region (RO5), Western Visayas (RO6), Central Visayas (RO7), Eastern Visayas (RO8), the National Capital Region (NCR) and Cordillera Administrative Region.
In a memorandum issued by DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango, all regional offices along “Krsitine’s path are required to closely monitor and to facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance, if needed.
The order took effect starting 8 a.m. Tuesday.
"All concerned Regional Directors are enjoined to convene a meeting with the respective shelter cluster members within the region and develop a plan of action using all available resources and interventions, " the memorandum read.
The DHSUD extends cash assistance from its Integrated Disaser Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) to victims of calamities, man-made or natural.
Under IDSAP, the DHSUD provides cash assistance amounting to P30,000 for those with totally damaged houses due to calamities, man-made or natural, and P10,000 for the partially damaged.
The move was prompted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Resolution No. 276 s. 2024 which activates the Shelter Cluster in response to the effects of "Kristine."
The DHSUD is the head of the shelter cluster.
To ensure timely and proper actions, Escolango said regional directors were also directed to submit daily situational report.