DHSUD inks deal for temporary shelter for informal settlers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Pasay City government and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for the establishment of a “staging area” where informal settler families (ISF) will be temporarily relocated.

Under the MOA signed this July, the staging area will serve as a temporary relocation facility for the ISFs who are beneficiaries of the Marcos administration’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The DHSUD said the initiative aims to ensure that no ISF will be displaced while the construction of their permanent housing units under the 4PH Program is ongoing.

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the staging area is a first of its kind component of the 4PH Program, which the DHSUD intends to replicate in other localities.

“This project under the MOA will serve as our showcase area to promote not just the 4PH program but also our advocacy for urban renewal or redevelopment,” Acuzar said in Filipino during the MOA signing ceremony.

Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano and MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines also attended the event.

The MOA provides for the construction of temporary shelters strategically located near the airport using prefabricated materials and the development of a livable community for qualified ISF from a blighted zone in the city.

The DHSUD said the staging area will be equipped with amenities such as an open park, playground, basketball court and other facilities.

It added that qualified beneficiary-ISFs can stay in the temporary shelters in the staging area until their permanent housing units are turned over to them.