The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has activated anew its emergency shelter clusters in preparation for the possible adverse effects of typhoon “Marce”.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said he already instructed the local officials of the department, especially those along the typhoon's projected path, to prepare in order to maximize the assistance to the local residents in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives.
“Activating our teams on the ground days before landfall will better position our responses to ensure faster delivery of DHSUD services,” Acuzar said.
DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum following the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) call for all member-agencies to closely monitor and facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance, if needed.
“All 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 resources and interventions available,” the memorandum read.
For post-disaster assistance, DHSUD provides cash aid through its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) to victims of both natural and man-made disasters.
Under IDSAP, the agency grants P30,000 to individuals whose homes are completely destroyed by calamities and P10,000 to those with partially damaged homes.
DHSUD serves as the head of the national government’s shelter cluster.
To ensure timely and effective action, Escolango said regional directors were also directed to submit daily situational reports.