The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has started distributing cash assistance to the residents of Albay province whose houses were either totally or partially damaged as a result of the tropical storm “Kristine” onslaught.
Initially, 60 families from Daraga town, one of the hardest-hit areas in Albay, received unconditional cash aid under DHSUD's Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) wherein P30,000 is given to families whose houses were totally damaged while P10,000 to those whose houses were partially damaged.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the 60 IDSAP beneficiaries were composed of three families with totally damaged houses and 57 partially damaged residences.
They were from Barangays Ibaugan, Lacag, Budiao, Busay, Bagumbayan, Kiwalo, San Vicente Pequeño, Ilawod, Malobago, Cullat, Market Site, Pandan-- all in Daraga.
“As instructed by the President, we will provide everything within our mandate to assist our affected kababayan—from cash assistance to moratorium of monthly payment for housing loans,” said Acuzar.
He said the DHSUD is even ready to relocate residents living in danger zones.
DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango, DHSUD said they are continuously processing applications for IDSAP from all other affected regions.
He said all DHUSD regional offices in “Kristine’-affected areas were already instructed to facilitate and expedite the processing of IDSAP claims.