Baguio city: The Department of Housing Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) announced plans to start distributing housing aid to over 6,700 beneficiaries whose homes were damaged by various calamities. Regional director Antonette Anaban stated in an interview that financial assistance would soon be released to those whose houses were completely destroyed or partially damaged.
According to Philippines News Agency, data indicates that 32 beneficiaries whose homes were totally destroyed by fire will receive PHP30,000 each, while nine beneficiaries with partially damaged houses due to fire will receive PHP10,000. These fire incidents occurred in Tineg, Abra; Tuba, Benguet; and Sabangan, Mountain Province.
Additionally, 915 residents will receive PHP10,000 for partially damaged homes, and 33 beneficiaries will receive aid for totally damaged houses affected by tropical cyclones Marce, Pepito, Kristine, Nika, and monsoon rains. The affected areas include Calanasan, Apayao; Tineg, Abra; Mayoyao, Ifugao; Pasil, Kalinga; Tabuk City, Kalinga; Bauko, Mountain Province; Flora, Apayao; Mankayan, Benguet; Hingyon, Ifugao; and Atok, Benguet.
Victims of recent weather disturbances, including tropical storms Dante and Emong, in combination with the effects of the southwest monsoon in Baguio City; Itogon, Benguet; Dolores, Abra; Malibcong, Abra; Hingyon, Ifugao; and Bauko, Mountain Province, will also benefit from a total of PHP2.120 million in aid. Additionally, another PHP88.22-million cash aid will be distributed to those affected by other tropical cyclones.
Anaban emphasized that the distribution will occur in local municipalities to prevent beneficiaries from incurring transportation costs. She noted the urgency of providing assistance to families whose homes were damaged, while also explaining the need to request funds as they are not readily available in the region.
She assured that, as a member of the response cluster during disasters, the DHSUD is expediting damage reports to quickly process and release financial assistance to affected beneficiaries.
