The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are exploring collaboration in extending housing support to the poor.

In a meeting on Thursday, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian discussed how both departments can synchronize their efforts in delivering socialized housing support for street dwellers and beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“This is in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to push for pro-poor housing programs. By working closely with DSWD, we will definitely be able to reach our mandated beneficiaries — the poorest of the poor,” Aliling said in a statement.

“We thank Secretary Gatchalian and DSWD officials for their readiness to collaborate with DHSUD para po sa ating mga kababayang pinaka-nangangailangan ng tulong ng gobyerno (for our fellowmen needing assistance from the government).”

Gatchalian, together with other DSWD officials, expressed openness to help in providing shelter assistance to beneficiaries of their various programs, particularly those on the 4Ps list.

The two leaders also discussed housing needs and modalities of street dwellers and 4Ps beneficiaries under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program that would suit their requirements.

Meanwhile, Aliling and DHSUD officials requested the DSWD for data sharing on its list of beneficiaries who need housing support through transition shelters or permanent housing.

“We want to make sure that we will have sustainable programs for the poorest of the poor. The support we will get from DSWD will definitely boost our efforts towards this and reach our mandated beneficiaries,” the DHSUD chief said.

“Beyond shelters, we intend to provide dignified living for our expanded 4PH beneficiaries, to inspire them to become more productive citizens and proud homeowners.”

Respective officials were directed to work closely on the conceptualization of a joint program between DHSUD and DSWD.

The collaboration aims to align the DHSUD’s housing programs with the DSWD’s comprehensive database of indigent households, ensuring that government housing assistance reaches the most vulnerable sectors. (PNA)