In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide immediate assistance to those affected by Tropical Storm “Crising” and continuous rains brought about by southwest monsoon, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and its attached agencies have rolled out payment moratorium and calamity loan to ease the burden of the victims.

The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) have implemented a one-month moratorium on amortization payments for their beneficiaries in areas affected by the typhoon.

At the same time, Pag-IBIG Fund has activated its Calamity Loan Program in all of its branches nationwide to serve typhoon victims. This also includes insurance claims for current Pag-IBIG housing loan borrowers whose properties were damaged.

Under this, qualified members in affected areas may borrow up to 90 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Fund savings, which include their monthly savings, employer counterpart contributions, and earned dividends.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the move is part of a coordinated response of housing agencies to ease the burden on typhoon-affected families and help them recover.

“As directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we are ensuring that affected families receive urgent support to help them recover,” Secretary Aliling said.

“Ang moratorium ay magsisilbing bawas alalahanin samantalang ang calamity loan naman ay magbibigay ginhawa kahit papaano sa ating mga kababayang nabiktima ng kalamidad,” he added.

Secretary Aliling emphasized that the DHSUD is also closely coordinating with LGUs for the provision of assistance under the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP). LGUs are instrumental in identifying affected areas and endorsing qualified beneficiaries.

“DHSUD and our key shelter agencies are closely working with LGUs to guarantee proper coordination and fast implementation on the ground. This is a united effort to provide relief and help families get back on their feet,” he added.

PAG-IBIG, SHFC, NHA and NHMFC are now undertaking all necessary steps to notify affected borrowers and streamline application procedures for the seamless rollout of the moratorium and loan program.