Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) is an initiative by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) designed to provide swift and effective aid to families whose homes have been destroyed by disasters.
Signed into effect by Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on February 6, 2024, this program outlines clear interventions and guidelines through its three phases: emergency response, early recovery, and rehabilitation and recovery.
IDSAP is essential in a country like the Philippines, frequently hit by natural calamities, ensuring that affected families receive timely support from the onset of a disaster until full recovery.
Each beneficiary receives PHP 15,000 to aid in their recovery efforts, providing immediate financial assistance to address urgent housing needs.
Program Background
In an effort to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of assistance for families affected by disasters, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) created the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP).
Signed by Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on February 6, 2024, Department Order No. 2024-004 established IDSAP as DHSUD’s post-disaster response.
The program defines interventions and provides implementation guidelines during its three phases: emergency response, early recovery, and rehabilitation and recovery.
The Need for IDSAP
Natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions frequently devastate the Philippines.
Many families find themselves without homes, grappling with the immediate aftermath and long-term recovery.
IDSAP aims to address these challenges by offering comprehensive support, ensuring that affected families receive timely and adequate assistance from the onset of the disaster until full recovery.
Program Overview
IDSAP was crafted to provide holistic and dependable government support under the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
The program ensures that assistance is available at every stage of disaster recovery.
Emergency Response Phase
In the emergency response phase, coordinated efforts among different agencies and organizations begin immediately following the onset of a disaster.
This phase aims to mitigate the effects of the disaster and includes the provision of a one-time emergency shelter support (ESS) for households with totally damaged houses.
Undersecretary Randy Escolango, the Department’s Undersecretary for Disaster Response, is tasked with implementing this phase.
He is also responsible for constituting the Shelter Response Team (SRT), which assists and augments efforts on the ground to deliver shelter assistance to disaster victims.
Eligible families receive PHP 15,000 to address their immediate housing needs, subject to the availability of funds.
The implementation guidelines, fund management, and monitoring procedures are detailed in Memorandum Circular No. 2024-002.
Early Recovery Phase
The early recovery phase focuses on helping affected areas regain a sense of normalcy and stability.
Efforts in this phase are directed towards restoring essential services, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting community recovery efforts.
This phase is important for transitioning from immediate relief to long-term rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Phase
The final phase covers the restoration and improvement of living conditions post-disaster.
It aims to reduce risk factors and improve community resilience, following the “build back better” principles.
This phase includes rebuilding permanent housing, improving infrastructure, and implementing measures to prevent future disasters.
Key Features of IDSAP
Target Beneficiaries: IDSAP is designed for homeowners whose houses have been totally damaged by disasters such as fires, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and other calamities.
Financial Assistance: Each beneficiary receives PHP 15,000 to aid in their recovery efforts. This amount helps purchase materials to rebuild their homes or address immediate needs.
Initial Implementation: The program was implemented in 2024 with an allocation of PHP 200 million for nationwide distribution in its first year.
The first recipients included 55 homeowners in Iloilo City whose houses were destroyed by fire and 106 families in San Juan affected by a similar disaster.
Program Objectives
Immediate Relief: Provide quick financial support to disaster-affected families to help them start rebuilding their lives and homes.
Community Resilience: Enhance the resilience of communities by ensuring they have the necessary resources to recover from disasters.
Efficient Distribution: Ensure the timely and efficient disbursement of funds through coordination with local governments and other stakeholders.
Challenges and Future Directions
While IDSAP has shown promise in its initial phase, the program faces challenges such as ensuring the adequacy of funds, reaching all affected families promptly, and maintaining transparency in fund distribution.
Future directions may include increasing the allocation of funds, expanding the scope of assistance, and integrating more robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
How to Apply for IDSAP
Eligibility Requirements:
- Total Damage: Your house must be completely destroyed by a disaster (e.g., typhoon, fire, flood, volcanic eruption).
- Ownership: You must be the owner of the damaged house.
Application Process:
- Prepare Documentation: A completed IDSAP application form, Barangay certification indicating the classification of the damage (totally damaged), photocopy of a government-issued ID, and a certificate of indigency.
- Submit Application: Submit the required documents to your local DHSUD office or the designated regional office handling IDSAP applications.
Implementation Guidelines
Emergency Response Phase: Upon submission, your application will be assessed and validated by the DHSUD.
If approved, you will receive a one-time emergency shelter support amounting to PHP 15,000.
Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Phases: These phases focus on helping affected areas regain normalcy and stability and on the restoration and improvement of living conditions post-disaster.
Contact Information
For further assistance and detailed information, you can contact the DHSUD regional office or the central office directly.
You may also reach out to the local government unit (LGU) officials for guidance on the application process.
Additional Notes:
- Ensure that you are not a recipient of any other shelter assistance from government agencies, NGOs, or other stakeholders.
- The availability of funds may affect the processing time and distribution of the assistance.
By following these steps and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the IDSAP and receive the necessary support to rebuild your home after a disaster.
Recent Updates
DSWD Extends Aid to Fire-Displaced Families in Iloilo City
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has provided financial assistance to 55 homeowners in Iloilo City whose houses were destroyed by a fire in March 2024. Each beneficiary received PHP15,000 to help with rebuilding their homes. The program aims to assist homeowners affected by various calamities and has a nationwide budget of PHP200 million for the first year of implementation. [PNA]
IDSAP Assistance for Disaster Survivors
The Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) is available to survivors of recent disasters, offering a one-time cash assistance of PHP15,000 per beneficiary. The program aims to provide immediate relief and support to those whose homes have been affected by calamities.
The top officials present told us that the survivors may avail of their Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP).
Gani gintinguhaan gid naton mabaton nila ang tag-P15,000 nga ayuda kada beneficiary. pic.twitter.com/mAMzfRNRuZ
— Jam-Jam Baronda (@CongJamBaronda) June 27, 2024
DHSUD and San Juan City Assist Fire Victims in Isla, Brgy. Batis
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the San Juan City government have joined forces to provide assistance to families affected by a recent fire in Isla, Brgy. Batis. The aid distribution highlights the collaborative efforts of government agencies and local authorities in supporting those who lost their homes due to the fire. [Inquirer]
DHSUD Launches Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP)
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has established the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) to streamline and enhance the provision of aid to disaster-affected families. The program aims to ensure efficient and effective delivery of assistance to those in need, particularly those whose homes have been destroyed by calamities.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have agreed to extend their Memorandum of Understanding for capacity strengthening and information exchange. The partnership focuses on enhancing DHSUD’s disaster risk reduction and management capabilities through training and capacity building programs for regional officers, as well as collaborating on the development of the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP).
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is implementing a pilot project in Pasay City as part of the National Housing Program for Filipinos (4PH), focusing on urban renewal and the redevelopment of informal settlements. The project aims to improve the living environment of informal settlers, creating more pleasant and prosperous communities, with the construction of temporary shelters and the development of livable communities for qualified beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) is an important program of the DHSUD to provide timely and essential support to disaster-affected families, helping them rebuild and recover more swiftly.
By focusing on immediate relief, community resilience, and efficient distribution of funds, IDSAP aims to ensure that every Filipino family has the resources to overcome the challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters.