In response to the devastation left by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has announced a moratorium on housing loan amortizations for affected homeowners. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar issued the order to key shelter agencies, including the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), and National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC), following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend support to affected communities.
The move is intended to provide temporary financial relief to those struggling with housing payments due to the typhoon’s severe impact on homes and livelihoods. Acuzar emphasized that the government’s priority is to support the recovery of residents who have been hardest hit. “This is a small step compared to the sacrifices and losses our citizens are facing, but it is aimed at easing their financial burdens in these difficult times,” he stated.
Government Relief Efforts and Integrated Shelter Assistance Program
The DHSUD is also collaborating closely with local government units (LGUs) in typhoon-affected regions to streamline assistance through its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP). IDSAP provides cash aid of PHP30,000 for families whose homes were destroyed and PHP10,000 for those with partially damaged homes, helping them to start repairs and rebuild.
Acuzar confirmed that shelter clusters are already activated in the impacted areas to ensure timely validation of recipients identified by LGUs. This measure aims to facilitate swift and transparent processing of aid for those who qualify under IDSAP, allowing families to begin rebuilding as soon as possible. The DHSUD has instructed all its regional offices to be on standby to expedite the release of assistance, especially in hard-hit provinces.
Pag-IBIG Fund and Other Agencies Implement Moratorium
Under the DHSUD directive, shelter agencies like the Pag-IBIG Fund and SHFC will observe a temporary suspension of monthly payments for qualifying members. SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa affirmed the agency’s commitment to the moratorium, stating, “We are monitoring the situation closely and remain dedicated to providing the necessary support for our beneficiaries’ recovery. This payment deferment is expected to help alleviate the financial strain on affected families.”
Despite the moratorium, members who prefer to continue paying their dues may still do so through various digital channels, ensuring no disruption for those who wish to maintain their regular payments.
President Marcos’ Commitment to Disaster Response
President Marcos has maintained a visible presence in affected regions, recently conducting an aerial assessment of storm damage in Batangas and Cavite. He has committed to mobilizing all necessary resources for relief and rehabilitation. In addition to the DHSUD’s moratorium, Marcos announced PHP80 million in financial aid for victims in Naga and Albay, underscoring the administration’s commitment to swift action and support.
The DHSUD, along with other government agencies, is actively working to address the housing and financial needs of Kristine’s victims. Further collaboration with private sector partners may also be pursued to address the housing backlog and expedite recovery in areas impacted by natural disasters.
Outlook for Typhoon Kristine Recovery
The devastation brought by Kristine has left hundreds of families in urgent need of shelter and financial assistance. As the government continues to mobilize resources, the DHSUD’s moratorium and cash aid program aim to stabilize the affected communities and mitigate the long-term impact on household finances. With ongoing support from national and local authorities, the affected families are receiving crucial aid to navigate the challenges left in the typhoon’s wake.
Video: DBM Says Unprogrammed Funds may be Tapped for Recovery Efforts in Typhoon Kristine’s Aftermath
In this video, officials from the Department of Budget Management (DBM) discuss the possibility of unprogrammed funds in case funds for ongoing relief measures are not enough to support the recovery for affected residents. Watch this video from Inquirer.net for more info: