In a significant move to support disaster-stricken families, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has disbursed PHP2.44 million to 155 families in Eastern Visayas. This financial aid, part of the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP), targets those whose homes were damaged in 2024. The funds are aimed at helping families recover from the impacts of natural disasters and fires that have ravaged the region.
The breakdown of beneficiaries shows that 104 families hail from Leyte province, with others from Northern Samar (41), Samar (8), and Eastern Samar (2). Among the recipients are residents from Ormoc City, Tacloban City, Carigara, and Capoocan in Leyte, who were affected by Typhoon Aghon and various fire incidents. Additionally, families from Biri in Northern Samar, hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, also received assistance.
Under the IDSAP, beneficiaries with totally damaged homes receive PHP30,000, while those with partially damaged homes get PHP10,000. This marks an increase from previous years, where the maximum aid for totally damaged homes was PHP10,000. Michael Victor Tezon, the regional director of DHSUD Eastern Visayas, emphasized the transparency of the selection process, ensuring no favoritism towards specific municipalities.
Due to the lack of an agency-owned storage facility in Eastern Visayas, DHSUD has opted to provide cash assistance instead of housing materials. To be eligible for this aid, homeowners must provide a request letter from their local government unit, a disaster or situational report, a state of calamity declaration if applicable, and verification documents including a master list of beneficiaries and a certificate of eligibility.