Housing department tightens belt amid COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has started implementing austerity measures in anticipation of the adverse financial and economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the DHSUD said that one of its key shelter agencies, the Social Housing Financial Corp., has approved the discontinuatio of P21.119 billion worth of projects and programs.

Among those to be discontinued are the P1.1 million allotted for Customer Relations and Complaints Division; P9.25 million worth of activities of the Human Resources Development Division; P8.041 million worth of training, assemblies and seminars of the Insurance and Community Enhancement Division; P2.077 million for activities of the Partner Relations Division and P650,000 fund for Strategic Communications Division.

The management committee of the DHSUD central office, meanwhile, proposed to discontinue non-essential activities including travels, both international and local; purchase of motor vehicles; general assembly; quarterly salo-salo; annual sports fest, participation in cultural events and fun runs; and midyear and yearend activities. 

“The programs to be affected and amount to be saved is still being finalized,” the DHSUD said.

Human Settlement Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, however, gave assurance that the austerity measures will be undertaken without compromising the delivery of services to the public.

“As one with the national government in the fight against COVID-19, we should find ways how to provide much-needed funds in anticipation of the long-term effects of the pandemic,” he said.