In a strategic effort to strengthen support for households transitioning out of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Human
Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) convened on Thursday (June 19 ) at the DSWD Central Office to discuss possible collaboration on housing assistance for eligible beneficiaries.
The meeting, initiated at the request of DHSUD, aimed to explore coordinated approaches in providing decent and affordable housing for the
4Ps households that are set to exit the program by 2026.
Approximately 1.8 million households are expected to exit from the 4Ps, and many of them face continued challenges in securing safe and permanent shelter.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian welcomed the exploratory talks and affirmed the agency’s commitment to share relevant data through a formal Data Sharing Agreement, which both agencies agreed to finalize by June 24. The data will enable DHSUD to design and deploy suitable housing modalities based on the profiles and locations of the beneficiaries
“This collaboration is crucial to sustaining the progress made by our 4Ps households. As they exit the program, it is important that we continue to support them in areas such as housing to ensure a smooth and dignified transition,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
For his part, DHSUD Secretary Aliling expressed the Department’s interest in aligning housing interventions with the DSWD’s beneficiary data to ensure that appropriate and responsive programs can be implemented.
Secretary Aliling noted that DHSUD currently has 2,000 available housing units that may be accessed by DSWD-identified households.
The DHSUD chief also shared that a temporary housing facility in Pasay City is available and
may serve as immediate shelter support for families in need.
Joining the meeting were Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera and
Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela of the DSWD’s Conditional Cash Transfer Group (CCTG); Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the Legislative Affairs Group (LAG); and 4Ps National Program Manager Director Gemma Gabuya.
Joining DHSUD Secretary Aliling were Assistant Secretary Frank Lloyd Gonzaga and Director Mylene Rivera. (MBM)