If you or your family were relocated from danger zones in Metro Manila, you might have heard about the ₱18,000 financial assistance provided under the Oplan LIKAS program by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP). This government initiative was designed to help informal settler families (ISFs) start fresh in safer, healthier communities. It’s sort of a start-up fund, designed to help them settle and get started with their life in the new place.
But how exactly can you avail of this ₱18,000 cash assistance? Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What is the Oplan LIKAS Program?
Oplan LIKAS stands for “Lumikas para Iwas Kalamidad at Sakit,” which translates to Move Out to Avoid Disaster and Illness. This PCUP program was launched in 2011 after major flooding disasters such as Tropical Storm Ondoy devastated Metro Manila. Its main goal was to complement the relocation efforts of around 120,000 informal settler families (ISFs) living in danger zones — particularly those who reside near rivers, creeks, and waterways — to safer, government-provided housing areas.
To help these families adjust after relocation, the government also provided this ₱18,000 financial assistance known as the Interim Shelter Fund. This cash aid was meant to help with temporary housing, transportation, and other relocation-related expenses.
What is this Cash Assistance For?
The ₱18,000 cash assistance, otherwise known as the Interim Shelter Fund, was not a loan. It was financial aid given to qualified relocated families under the Oplan LIKAS program. It was managed by several government agencies over time, including:
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP)
- National Housing Authority (NHA)
The aid aimed to support families during their transition to government housing sites in areas such as:
- Parañaque Homes II, Parañaque City
- Manggahan Residences, Pasig City
- South Morning View, Naic, Cavite, and other relocation sites
Thousands of families already received their ₱18,000 checks through PCUP’s Resettlement Unit (ResU), which personally visited these communities to distribute the aid.
Who Were Qualified Beneficiaries?
While new applications are no longer being accepted, here’s a list of who originally qualified for the program:
Eligible beneficiaries included:
- Families who were informal settlers living along rivers, esteros, and other danger zones in Metro Manila.
- Families who were officially relocated to government housing sites under the Oplan LIKAS program.
- Those who underwent verification and endorsement by the DILG before being approved by the PCUP.
These families were validated by both DILG and PCUP, ensuring that only legitimate beneficiaries—those who truly lived in danger-prone areas—received the cash assistance.
Requirements
Qualified families were required to submit several documents to confirm eligibility.
Here a list of what was needed:
- Filled-out Cash Assistance Application Form
- Proof of Identity (Valid government-issued ID)
- Proof of Relocation (Certification from DILG, LGU, or NHA confirming relocation)
- Proof of Former Residence (Documents showing the family’s previous address in a danger zone)
- Endorsement from DILG (Verifying inclusion in the Oplan LIKAS relocation list)
Procedures
Since the program is no longer accepting new applications, the steps below are for reference only — this was how qualified families previously received their ₱18,000 cash aid:
Step 1. Verification by DILG
The DILG first verified if the family was part of the official list of relocated ISFs from danger zones.
Step 2. Endorsement to PCUP
Once verified, the DILG endorsed the family’s name to the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) for processing.
Step 3. Document Submission
Beneficiaries submitted all required documents to PCUP’s Resettlement Unit or through their local government.
Step 4. Release of Assistance
PCUP coordinated with its Cash Unit to distribute the ₱18,000 assistance via check. In some areas, PCUP staff visited housing sites to personally hand over the aid.
Current Status
As of writing, the Oplan LIKAS ₱18,000 cash aid program is no longer active. According to official reports from the Philippine News Agency and PCUP:
- The unutilized or leftover funds from Oplan LIKAS were returned to the DILG and Bureau of Treasury after the distribution period ended.
- The delay was caused by agency transitions, election bans, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed down the disbursement process.
- Out of over 11,000 targeted families, around 3,249 beneficiaries successfully received the ₱18,000 assistance.
- The program’s budget reversion was completed by March 2019, making it closed for new applicants.
What You Can Do Now
While the Oplan LIKAS program is no longer open, you still have options to avail of other programs if you are part of the urban poor sector or have been relocated from a danger zone.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Contact PCUP directly
Visit the official PCUP website: https://pcup.gov.ph. There, you can check for other new or ongoing assistance programs for urban poor families.
2. Reach out to your local DILG office
Another option is to ask if your name was part of the Oplan LIKAS relocation list or if you are eligible for other government support.
3. Check with your local LGU or NHA office
Many local governments and the National Housing Authority (NHA) offer livelihood, relocation, or financial aid programs for low-income or displaced families. You can check if you can be a part of those instead
4. Follow government news and announcements
Keep an eye on updates through:
- https://www.gov.ph
- Philippine News Agency (PNA)
- Official Facebook pages of PCUP, DILG, and NHA
For thousands of Filipino families, the ₱18,000 cash assistance meant more than just financial help — it represented hope and a fresh start after years of living in unsafe conditions. Even if the program has officially ended, the government continues to look for ways to support displaced and low-income families through similar assistance, training, and livelihood initiatives.
Video: PCUP Programs
If you didn’t receive your ₱18,000 cash aid under Oplan LIKAS, don’t lose hope. You may still qualify for other government financial or relocation assistance programs. Stay connected with PCUP, DILG, and your local government to know what’s currently available for urban poor or relocated families like yours. Watch this video to learn more: