The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is now readying its fund for the distribution of up to P30,000 for houses that were totally damaged by super typhoon “Pepito”.
On the other hand, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said P10,000 will be provided to the families whose houses were partially damaged by the weather disturbance that already hit Bicol region and some parts of the Visayas and is now threatening mainland Luzon.
Acuzar explained that the distribution of assistance to typhoon victims is part of the activation of the government shelter clusters along the path of "Pepito" to ensure readiness for the possible impact of the weather disturbance.
“The move was meant to keep the proactive stance of DHSUD-Regional Offices (ROs) and ensure readiness to extend assistance. We will not get tired of assisting our kababayan severely affected by the weather disturbance because this was the instruction of President Marcos,” said Acuzar.
On Saturday, DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum ordering concerned ROs to keep their respective shelter clusters activated for Typhoons" Nika" and "Ofel", and the activation for Typhoon "Pepito."
The activation of the shelter clusters stemmed from NDRRMC's issuance of Memoranda No. 310 and 352 Series of 2024 in preparations for the effects of Typhoons "Nika", "Ofel" and "Pepito."
"In view of the foregoing, all concerned DHSUD Regional Offices are hereby directed to activate your respective shelter clusters effective 16 November 2024 8:00am in connection with Typhoon Pepito to closely monitor your respective areas of jurisdiction, and to facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance as needed, " the memo stated.
"Regional shelter clusters shall also continue to be activated in connection with Typhoons Nika and Ofel," it added.
Earlier, the DHSUD, in partnership with Metrobank Foundation Inc., distributed home materials and essentials (HOMEs) to families affected by "Kristine" in the provinces of Batangas and Camarines Sur.
More than 1,500 HOMEs, provided by MFI and Ayala, were delivered.
Apart from HOMEs, DHSUD also extends unconditional cash assistance to families whose houses are destroyed or damaged by calamities, man-made or naturally-induced.