The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has ordered a moratorium on housing loan payments for qualified beneficiaries affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon, Tropical Storm Luis, and Typhoon Maymay.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling issued the directive Monday as the government moved to ease financial pressure on families dealing with damage and displacement caused by heavy rains and storms.
The moratorium will cover qualified member-beneficiaries of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), and National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC), subject to guidelines to be issued separately by each agency.
Pag-IBIG Fund, meanwhile, continues to offer its Safe Loan program to qualified members.
“Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na tiyaking naaabot ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan na apektado ng habagat at mga bagyo, ipinag-utos natin sa ating mga KSAs na agarang magpatupad ng housing moratorium para sa mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo,” Aliling said.
The measure is intended to give affected households some financial breathing room as they repair homes, replace damaged belongings, and deal with other immediate recovery costs.
The housing agencies will issue separate rules specifying who qualifies, the areas covered, and procedures for applying for the payment relief.
Aliling also directed DHSUD regional offices in affected areas to work closely with local governments and other agencies in assessing the housing needs of affected communities.
Regional offices were instructed to prioritize communities in danger zones and vulnerable areas, where families face greater risks from flooding, landslides, and other hazards.
The directive adds housing finance relief to the government’s broader disaster response, recognizing that for affected households, keeping a roof overhead can be as urgent as rebuilding what the storm has damaged.
