In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to extend all assistance to victims of recent disasters, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Thursday ordered its key shelter agencies (KSAs) to implement a moratorium on housing amortization to their members in areas affected by typhoons and earthquake.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling issued the order as part of the administration’s whole-of-government efforts to provide much-needed assistance to victims of typhoons “Nando” and “Opong” in Bicol and the destructive earthquake in Cebu province.
Secretary Aliling specifically asked Pag IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation President Renato Tobias, National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai and Social Housing Finance Corporation President Federico Laxa to immediately declare a moratorium on amortization.
“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., hinihiling ko sa ating mga KSAs na magpatupad ng suspension ng amortization sa lahat ng mga apektado ng kalamidad sa Cebu at Masbate,” said Secretary Aliling, who was with the President in Masbate on Wednesday to deliver government assistance.
As DHSUD chief, Secretary Aliling concurrently serves as chairman of the board of the four housing agencies.
“Malaking bagay sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo at lindol ang hindi na muna aalalahanin ang pagbayad ng buwanang amortization sa panahong ito. Ang utos ng Pangulo ay ipaabot ang lahat ng pwedeng itulong sa mga biktima, at yan po ang ating gagawin,” he added.
At the same time, the DHSUD chief directed Regional Offices 5 and 7 to immediately conduct ground assessment on the extent of the damages on shelters brought about by the typhoons and earthquake.
Secretary Aliling also ordered DHSUD’s close coordination with other government agencies and the private sector to ensure appropriate housing assistance will be provided the soonest.
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck in Cebu on Tuesday night, killing more than 70 people and injuring hundreds. The tremor affected more than 47,000 families–some of whom were left homeless.
Last week, typhoons “Nando” and “Opong” wreaked havoc in Bicol Region, particularly in Masbate–leaving thousands of shelters either destroyed or damaged. ### (DHSUD)
