Shelter project for informal settlers gets P374 million

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the release of P374.4 million for the resettlement program for informal sector families (ISFs) living in identified priority waterways in Metro Manila.

This is a part of the government's broader flood control and management plan for the city.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Interim Shelter Fund for Informal Settler Families program, will distribute P18,000 to each of the 19,440 ISFs in Metro Manila danger zones who will voluntary vacate their current residences along targeted waterways.

The fund release covers the necessary allocations for the subsidies, as well as the fund requirements for the mobilization cost of the project.

"Foremost in President Aquino's disaster and flood management strategy is securing the safety of communities living in high-risk areas. By providing decent shelters in habitable environments to families living in esteros and other waterways, we not only account for the safety of these communities – we also strike at one of the major causes of flooding in the metro," DBM Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad said.

The rental subsidy will be offered to families living along eight identified waterways across Metro Manila, including the San Juan River, Manggahan Floodway, and Estero de Tripa de Gallina.

Families by the Pasig River, Tullahan River, Maricaban Creek, Estero de Sunog Apog, and Estero de Maypajo, will likewise receive assistance.

The relocation effort kicks off the implementation of the government's flood control master plan under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which was designed to address the severe flooding problem in Metro Manila and nearby provinces through long-term measures, such as watershed rehabilitation, river desiltation, and the construction of bigger drainage systems and dams. (PNA)