Manila: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has activated government shelter clusters in Northern and Central Luzon to ensure readiness for the possible impact of Super Typhoon ‘Nando’ and the enhanced southwest monsoon. DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling stated that this initiative aims to maintain a proactive stance by DHSUD Regional Offices, ensuring the immediate extension of shelter assistance to affected families at the earliest possible time when necessary.

According to Philippines News Agency, DHSUD Secretary Aliling emphasized the department’s commitment to readiness in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, ensuring that assistance can reach citizens promptly during emergencies. Aliling highlighted the department’s readiness to extend emergency response and humanitarian assistance, stressing the importance of swift action to aid potential disaster victims.

DHSUD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Hernando Caraig Jr. issued a memorandum on Saturday directing DHSUD Regional Offices in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4A (Calabarzon), 4B (Mimaropa), 5 (Bicol), and the Cordillera Administrative Region to activate their respective shelter clusters. DHSUD leads the national government’s shelter cluster as per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Memorandum 01-2022.

In 2023, DHSUD introduced the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP), providing unconditional cash assistance to families with destroyed or damaged houses due to calamities, both man-made and naturally induced. Besides IDSAP, DHSUD has also previously distributed Housing Materials and Essentials (HOMEs) as immediate assistance to affected families.