QUEZON CITY – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines have joined hands to boost efforts to assist vulnerable Filipino communities.

The DHSUD and IOM-Philippines signed a Cooperation Agreement on October 28. The pact is meant to boost partnership in helping citizens in areas struck by natural or man-made calamities.

Under the pact, which was finalized in coordination with USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, IOM-Philippines will share its expertise in enhancing the country’s Post-Disaster, Early Recovery Shelter Framework.

The signing of the agreement, organized by DHSUD’s Public Housing and Settlement Service (PHSS), was held in conjunction with DHSUD’s celebration of the National Shelter Month in October.

No less than DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario led the signing of the agreement together with IOM-Philippines Chief of Mission Kristin Dadey held at the Central Office board room. Joining the housing czar were Assistant Secretary Avelino Tolentino III and PHSS OIC-Director Rowena Dineros.

In his message, Secretary Del Rosario emphasized the importance of cementing solid partnerships with international organizations in enhancing the Philippines’s disaster-preparedness programs especially as the country is frequented by typhoons and is at risk of natural calamities such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Such a cooperation pact is likewise significant amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as impact of climate change.

“The signing of this Cooperation Agreement between our agency, the DHSUD and the IOM is a hallmark occasion especially during the National Shelter Month. It cements the commitment to promote post–disaster recovery policy of the country as a guide for the continuous improvement of the Philippines’ capacity to ensure full recovery of households and communities after environmental hazards,” Secretary Del Rosario said.

“This agreement aspires to enable better coordination and cooperation, optimize the use of financial and human resources, align various policies, administrative and funding initiatives, empower those affected to recover and reduce vulnerabilities of future disasters,” he added.

The housing czar likewise expressed optimism on sealing future collaborations with IOM-Philippines particularly in promoting a whole-of-nation approach in nation-building.

The IOM-Philippines commits to provide capacity building support to DHSUD in enhancing government programs meant to safeguard vulnerable communities against natural or man-made disasters. It will likewise carry out trainings and assist in developing local shelter plans of LGUs nation-wide that integrates the Shelter Framework.

The two agencies agreed to enhance information exchange, hold constant dialogues and formal consultations, as well as jointly monitor the progress of their shared programs.

Asec. Tolentino, meanwhile, lauded the finalization of the cooperation pact, saying it would further strengthen the country’s capacity in establishing a coherent national policy and framework on post-disaster recovery shelter.

“This agreement is geared towards the implementation of shelter response capacity building, learning and development, and early recovery and rehabilitation operations,” the DHSUD official noted.

For her part, IOM-Philippines’ Dadey thanked the Philippine government, through DHSUD, for its initiative in sealing their partnership aimed at promoting shelter recovery in the country. (DHSUD)