Beneficiaries from Baras, Catanduanes, receive financial assistance from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) under the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) during a two-day payout conducted in Tabaco City on Wednesday and Thursday (March 18 and 19, 2026). A total of 638 cyclone-affected families in the municipality were granted cash aid to repair or rebuild their homes. (Photo courtesy of DHSUD-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in Bicol (DHSUD-5) has disbursed PHP13.38 million in aid under the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) to Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon.
In a phone interview on Friday, DHSUD-5 spokesperson Karen Punzalan said 826 beneficiaries affected by Super Typhoon Pepito in Baras, Catanduanes; Pilar, Sorsogon; and Sto. Domingo, Albay received cash aid.
Under IDSAP, beneficiaries get PHP30,000 for destroyed houses and PHP10,000 for partially damaged homes.
In Baras, 638 beneficiaries received PHP10.96 million during a payout in Tabaco City on Wednesday and Thursday, while in Pilar, 11 families affected by tropical cyclone Kristine and a fire received PHP330,000 on Tuesday.
In Sto. Domingo, 177 beneficiaries affected by Kristine received PHP2.15 million the same day.
Beneficiaries thanked the government, citing the aid’s role in rebuilding homes and sustaining livelihoods.
Lolita Bañares, a Baras resident and mother of eight, said the aid is vital for safer shelter and better living conditions.
“We are very thankful because the assistance is a big help to us in repairing our home and also for our farming needs,” Bañares said.
Aside from repairing their home, Bañares said the cash will also support her family’s farming needs.
“I will allocate this because I have really been waiting for it, especially since it will help my family. We will now be able to repair and expand our house. That is why I am very grateful,” she said.
Punzalan said the program ensures fast and transparent delivery of emergency shelter aid.
“IDSAP aims to assist disaster-affected families in repairing or rebuilding their homes, while also helping them recover their sources of livelihood,” she said.
DHSUD-5 reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing housing assistance to vulnerable communities. (With a report from Melrose Lagonoy, OJT/PNA)