The DSWD Emergency Shelter Assistance is an important program initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines. Launched in the late 1970s, the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program aims to provide financial aid to families whose homes have been partially or totally damaged by natural or man-made disasters.
Key aspects of the program include cash assistance, food and cash-for-work aid, technical support for housing construction, and community organization efforts.
The program offers financial assistance ranging from P10,000 to P30,000, depending on the extent of damage to the homes.
This comprehensive approach ascertains that affected families can quickly transition from immediate relief to recovery, helping them rebuild their homes and lives.
The ESA program’s significance is underscored by the frequent natural calamities in the Philippines, making it an essential lifeline for disaster-stricken communities.
What is DSWD Emergency Shelter Assistance?
The ESA program assists families whose houses were either partially or totally destroyed by disasters.
The primary goal is to mitigate further exposure to vulnerabilities and address immediate shelter needs.
Historical Context and Legal Basis
The DSWD began its shelter assistance project in the late 1970s via the ESA program to repair damaged houses of family victims of disasters.
The program was made possible by the passage of Republic Act No. 7279 or the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Program, signed into law on February 15, 1987, by President Corazon Aquino.
The ESA program provided temporary shelter for families affected by disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
It also provided immediate relief through food rations and medical assistance.
Benefits of the ESA Program
The ESA program offers several benefits to its beneficiaries:
- Cash Assistance:
- P30,000 for typhoon victims with totally damaged houses.
- P10,000 for families with partially damaged houses.
- Food/Cash-for-Work Assistance: Provision of food or cash in exchange for participation in restoration and rehabilitation activities.
- Technical Assistance in House Construction: Orientation, demonstration, assistance, and monitoring in the execution of shelter units.
- Financial Support: Covering the cost of housing materials for families whose houses have been destroyed by natural disasters.
Qualifications and Requirements
To qualify for the ESA program, beneficiaries must meet specific criteria:
- Eligibility Requirements:
- House owners with totally or partially damaged houses.
- Families not receiving shelter assistance from other government agencies, NGOs, or other stakeholders.
- Families listed in the LGU master list based on the DSWD-Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC).
- Documentary Requirements:
- Completed ESA Application Form.
- Barangay Certification on the damage classification.
- Photocopy of a government-issued ID.
- Certificate of Indigency.
The Shelter Assistance Project
The Shelter Assistance Project under ESA has several key components:
Social Preparation
This component aims to raise beneficiaries’ awareness of their situation, the need for the project, and their involvement’s importance.
C/MSWDOs, DSWD-SWAD, PNP, or local NGOs review the circumstances of intended beneficiaries and validate their eligibility for housing assistance.
Food/Cash-for-Work Aid
Provision of food or cash assistance to catastrophe victims or displaced people in exchange for their participation in restoration and rehabilitation activities.
Technical Assistance in Housing Construction
Orientation, demonstration, assistance, and monitoring in the execution of shelter units to promote conformance with the standard shelter design.
Financial Support
Limited financial assistance to cover the cost of housing materials to satisfy the basic housing needs of families whose houses have been destroyed by natural disasters.
Recent Implementations and Success Stories
In response to Typhoon Odette in 2021, the DSWD provided Php 10,000 to affected families to assist with the repair and reconstruction of their homes.
The distribution was coordinated with local government units and included both direct cash payouts and additional support through the National Housing Authority’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).
How to Apply for Emergency Shelter Assistance
To apply for the DSWD Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program, follow these steps:
- Determine Your Eligibility:
- Your house must have been totally or partially damaged by a natural or man-made disaster.
- You should not have received shelter assistance from other government agencies, NGOs, or stakeholders.
- Your family should be listed in the LGU master list based on the DSWD-Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC).
- Prepare the Required Documents:
- Completed ESA Application Form.
- Barangay Certification on the damage classification of your house.
- Photocopy of a government-issued ID.
- Certificate of Indigency.
- Submit Your Application:
- Visit your nearest DSWD field office or local government social welfare office.
- Submit the completed application form and all required documents.
- Undergo Assessment and Verification:
- DSWD may conduct assessments to validate the information provided in your application, including home visits or interviews.
- Wait for Approval:
- The DSWD will process and evaluate your request and notify you of the outcome.
- Receive Assistance:
- If approved, you will receive financial assistance, typically through cash payouts or checks.
Distribution Methods for Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA)
The Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) cash payout is distributed to beneficiaries through several methods, promoting efficient and secure delivery of aid. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) works closely with local government units (LGUs) to facilitate the process. Here are the main ways the cash payout is distributed:
Direct Cash Payouts
DSWD personnel directly provide cash assistance to identified beneficiaries.
This method is often used in areas where other options may be limited, so that assistance reaches those in need promptly.
Direct Check Payouts
In some cases, beneficiaries receive checks instead of cash.
This method provides a secure way to distribute funds, especially in more organized settings.
Electronic Transfers
The DSWD utilizes existing cash card systems, such as the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) cash cards, for beneficiaries who are part of that program.
This method leverages the infrastructure of 4Ps to streamline the distribution process.
Mobile Money Services
The DSWD mobilizes existing service providers like Palawan, Cebuana, and GCash to facilitate electronic transfers to beneficiaries.
This method ascertains that even in remote areas, beneficiaries can access their funds through widely available mobile money services.
LGU-Facilitated Distribution
In some instances, funds are downloaded to the LGUs, who then facilitate the release of cash assistance to the beneficiaries.
This collaborative approach allows local authorities to play an active role in the distribution process.
Distribution Process
The distribution process typically involves several steps to see to it that assistance is provided efficiently and to the right individuals:
- Identification of Beneficiaries: LGUs identify eligible beneficiaries and prepare a master list.
- Verification and Validation: DSWD Field Offices verify and validate the list of beneficiaries.
- Scheduling Distribution: The DSWD, in coordination with LGUs, schedules the distribution of cash payouts.
- Presentation of Documents: Beneficiaries are required to present an accomplished Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC) Form and a valid ID (or a barangay certification if no valid ID is available) to receive the assistance.
The DSWD aims to make the distribution process as accessible and efficient as possible, adapting to the specific needs and circumstances of different regions affected by disasters.
This multi-modal approach helps maintain that the emergency assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries in a timely manner, providing much-needed relief in the aftermath of disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is emergency shelter assistance of DSWD?
- The DSWD provides financial assistance to families whose houses were damaged due to disasters, with amounts ranging from P10,000 to P30,000.
- Why is emergency shelter important?
- This project aims to provide a secure and healthy environment for vulnerable individuals, protecting them from risks like abuse and exploitation and improving their living conditions.
- What is the meaning of “house should have been totally destroyed by a man-made or natural disaster”?
- The house must be completely destroyed due to a disaster, and the family must lack the resources to repair or rebuild.
Recent Updates
DSWD AICS Program Weekly Payout in LGU Guimba and MSWDO
In the recent video log, DSWD’s AICS Program distributed financial assistance, including a special P10,000 check for Tatay Crisanto Granita affected by a fire in Brgy. Sta. Ana. A total payout of P139,000 was disbursed to beneficiaries, with amounts ranging from P1,000 to P5,000.
Following a structural fire in Pacdal, Baguio City, the City Social Welfare and Development Office provided assistance to three affected families, offering services like Psychological First Aid, Emergency Shelter Assistance, Burial Assistance, Financial Assistance, and essential items. The families will receive ongoing support and referrals for further assistance, with a reminder to prioritize fire prevention measures for safety.
Over two thousand families from Barangay Aurora, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, received Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) from the DSWD Field Office Caraga today.
The DSWD Caraga is distributing Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) to 3,556 beneficiaries in Surigao City whose homes were damaged by Typhoon Odette. Each beneficiary is expected to receive Php2,500 to help with the reconstruction of their homes.
After a fire destroyed a residential house in Manaoag, Pangasinan, DSWD Field Office 1 provided the victim with essential supplies, including food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits. The victim is currently staying with relatives while the LGU continues to assess their needs.
Video: Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) of DSWD XI |Magsaysay, Davao del Sur | Produced by Greenbug Media
The DSWD’s ESA program in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, provides financial aid to families with damaged houses due to disasters. It supports immediate recovery efforts, focusing on repairing and reconstructing homes affected by typhoons.
Conclusion
The DSWD Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program is a major component of the government’s efforts to provide immediate and effective shelter assistance to disaster-affected families.
By offering financial, technical, and social support, the ESA program ascertains that families have a safe place to stay while they recover and rebuild their lives.