The Validation and Finalization Phase of Listahanan started in the second semester of 2020 when the Philippines was under a massive lockdown due to the widespread Coronavirus disease (COVID) that greatly affected the country. Traveling through the land, sea, and domestic air was suspended which caused the operation of the Listahanan 3 to cease. However, it did not stop Listahanan to look for ways to continue posting the initial List of Poor Households in every barangay, along with addressing public grievances related to the said Validation activities. 

On the 24th of August 2020, presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque announced to the public that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) ratified IATF Resolution No. 65, Series of 2020, which recognizes the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction as a critical government service. Hence, surveyors, enumerators, and area supervisors of the DSWD Regional Offices were considered Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) who are allowed for inter and intrazonal travels.

The COVID-19 outbreak was just one of the obstacles that affected the operation of Listahanan. Natural disasters were also a big hindering factor in continuing the Validation and Finalization Phase, specifically the assessment or reassessment of households. In reality, Super Typhoon Rolly and Odette lashed out in the country in the year 2020 and 2021, both damaging plenty of communities, cities, and even municipalities. 

In point of fact, Director Andrew J. Ambubuyog and some of the Listahanan staff witnessed and experienced first-hand how Super Typhoon Odette brought violent winds and intense rainfall to Bohol during their field visit to Region VII. It was indeed a very painful scenery for Listahanan because even its own regional field staff that helped in finishing the Validation and Finalization Phase experienced the loss of their own homes and faced uncertain tomorrow. Nevertheless, these did not stop the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) Region VII from helping those who were affected. They joined the DSWD Field Office VII relief operations and continued to strategize for the next steps to finish the reassessment and assessment activities.

Against all odds, the Listahanan is hopeful that the Listahanan 3 database will help the disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized groups in the country through partnering with different stakeholders that deliver social protection programs and services.