MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) ordered its key shelter agencies (KSAs) to implement a moratorium on housing amortization for their members affected by Severe Tropical Storm "Kristine" (international name Trami).

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the move complied with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to all government agencies to extend any available assistance to victims of Kristine.

Acuzar issued the order to the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, the National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corp., and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. on Friday, according to a news release on Saturday.

He said declaring a moratorium would provide relief to victims who have outstanding amortization with the KSAs.

"Ito po ay maliit na bagay kumpara sa sakripisyo at kawalan ng ating mga kababayang naging biktima ng bagyo. Sa pamamagitan nito, kahit papaano ay maiibsan ang kanilang mga pangamba (This is just a small thing compared to the sacrifices and deprivation experienced by the typhoon victims. Through this moratorium, we somehow allay their fears)," Acuzar said.

"Nais ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. na ibigay ang lahat ng pwedeng itulong, kaya yan po ang ating gagawin dito sa (President Marcos wants to give every available assistance, so, that's what we will do here at the) DHSUD."

He said they were also working closely with affected local government units (LGUs) for the speedy processing of families who may qualify for the department's Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP).

To ensure the smooth validation of the IDSAP list from LGUs, Acuzar also ordered the activation of all the shelter clusters in the affected areas.

Under IDSAP, the DHSUD provides P30,000 in unconditional cash assistance to those whose houses were destroyed, and P10,000 to those whose houses were damaged.