The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) 13 (Caraga Region) is providing technical support to local government units (LGUs) to update and approve their Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs).
During Tuesday’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum, DHSUD-13 Director Cristie Reyes highlighted the importance of CLUPs as essential roadmaps for promoting harmonious and sustainable growth in provinces, cities, and municipalities.
“Our mission is to ensure the continuous progress of communities and to protect them from calamities and disasters,” Reyes said.
Out of the 73 LGUs in Caraga, 37 have updated their CLUPs, while 36 are still in the process of doing so.
DHSUD-13 continues to assist these LGUs through technical workshops to help them complete their CLUP updates.
The updated CLUPs are five LGUs in Agusan del Norte (including Butuan City), nine in Agusan del Sur, 11 in Surigao del Norte, eight in Surigao del Sur, and four in Dinagat Islands.
Reyes added that DHSUD is also working on formulating policies to ensure individuals have access to safe and affordable housing, as well as other essential services.
As part of the national government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, DHSUD-13 has identified 18 LGUs in Caraga as pilot areas for affordable housing projects. Of these, seven LGUs have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DHSUD-13, nine MOUs are ready for signing, and the remaining two are in the process of complying with MOU requirements.
The agency is also addressing the shelter needs of families affected by past calamities in the region. Since last year, 168 families received PHP1.68 million in aid under the Rental Subsidy and Financial Assistance Program. Additionally, 46 families received PHP698,000 in support through the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program. (PNA)
