Informal settlers to get huge boost

The House of Representatives approved the measure on the third and final reading during the 18th Congress, but failed to hurdle the Senate

A partylist representative is eyeing to give a boost to informal settler families (ISF) for them to cope with the rising prices of commodities following the rental subsidy bill filed before the House of Representatives.

House Bill 2879, or the Rental Housing Subsidy Act of 2022, aims to establish a rent subsidy program for qualified recipients that will provide eligible beneficiaries, who have been displaced due to calamities, with the option of receiving rent subsidy so they can access formal housing options, allowing them to stay in areas closer to their source of livelihood.

“It is getting harder for the poor to live decently due to the pandemic and inflation. The government has to step in and intervene so that informal settlers can devote their meager resources to food and education,” AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee said.

The House of Representatives approved the measure on the third and final reading during the 18th Congress, but failed to hurdle the Senate.

If approved, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will grant beneficiaries residing in Metro Manila a flat rate of P3,500. The DHSUD and National Economic and Development Authority will also determine the rate for those living in other regions.

Informal settler beneficiaries will receive the rental subsidy until the date of completion of the permanent housing project intended for them or upon their actual transfer to the permanent housing project, whichever comes first.

It will also be extended if the completion of the permanent housing project is delayed, with the agency implementing the said housing project bearing the cost. The rental subsidy has a maximum contract of five years.