The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assures the public that the P509.6 million budget it received from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the implementation of the Oplan LIKAS (Likas para Iwas sa Kalamidad at Sakit) for informal settler families (ISFs) in the National Capital Region went to rightful beneficiaries.
Oplan LIKAS is a convergence and collaborative effort among 13 national government agencies (HUDCC, DILG, SHFC, NHA, DSWD, DBM, DPWH, DOF, DENR, MMDA, NAPC, PCUP, and CHR), with the participation and involvement of the local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and people’s organizations (POs). Spearheaded by DILG, this initiative aims to relocate ISFs living along priority waterways and esteros in various parts of Metro Manila to safe, decent, and affordable housing units as part of President Aquino’s “Covenant with the Poor.” The priority waterways are Tullahan River, San Juan River, Pasig River, Manggahan Floodway, Estero de Maypajo, Estero de Sunog Apog, Estero Tripa de Gallina and Maricaban Creek.
The role of the DSWD is to validate ISFs either living on top or within the 3-meter easement in these priority waterways, and to disburse the P18,000 financial assistance to the validated ISFs after they are relocated by the National Housing Authority. For organized ISF communities advocating for their People’s Plan (for onsite, in-city or near city relocation), this may be released in two installments as rental assistance.
As of June 8, P 201,834,000.00 was granted to 11,213 beneficiaries while P 2,844,000.00 was released as rental assistance (either in full or in part) to 171 beneficiaries, for a total disbursement of P 204,678,000.00
This is eighty-six percent (86%) of the first tranche (P 237,303,000.00) from DILG, with a second tranche in the same amount received last month, June 2015. P35M is earmarked for the Project Management Office for operating expenses. The P509.6M is expected to benefit 26,367 ISFs.
Disbursement of the remaining amounts, in tandem with the relocation activities, is ongoing.
