To maintain a proactive stance regarding the possible effects of Tropical Cyclone “Marce,” the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) activated its shelter clusters nationwide on Tuesday.
The move was in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to prepare for the potential impacts of the cyclone.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar ordered department officials to initiate efforts even before “Marce,” which has since intensified, made landfall.
Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango issued a memorandum hours after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) called for preparedness from all member agencies in anticipation of the possible effects of the weather disturbance.
According to Secretary Acuzar, nationwide alertness for this typhoon is necessary, as areas from Luzon to Mindanao are forecast to experience severe winds and hazards, especially regions near coastal waters.
“Activating our teams on the ground days before landfall will better position our responses and ensure the faster delivery of DHSUD services,” he said.
The memorandum stated that “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 available resources and interventions.”
The DHSUD is the lead agency for the national government’s shelter cluster.
To ensure timely and proper action, the regional directors were also instructed to submit daily situational reports to the DHSUD Central Office.
“Mahalaga na may plano nang mailatag bago pa man dumating ang bagyo. Makatutulong ito para maging epektibo ang mga serbisyo natin para sa ating mga kababayan, na utos ng mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr.,” Secretary Acuzar added. (It’s important that a plan is laid out even before the typhoon arrives. This will help ensure the effective delivery of our services as directed by our dear President.)
For post-disaster efforts, the DHSUD extends unconditional cash assistance through its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) to victims of calamities, whether natural or man-made.
Under IDSAP, the department provides unconditional cash assistance amounting to P30,000 for those with totally damaged houses due to calamities, and P10,000 for those with partially damaged homes.
For victims of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine,” DHSUD facilitated the distribution of P8.5 million worth of Home Materials and Essentials (HOMEs) to affected families in Talisay, Agoncillo, and Laurel in Batangas on Monday. The HOMEs were donated by Metrobank Foundation, Inc.