DBM releases P1.6-B calamity funds

To expedite gov't assistance, recovery of quake, typhoon victims

- By DERCO ROSAL, BETHEENA UNITE, and MARTIN SADONGDONG

To expedite the recovery of victims of recent calamities that have struck the country, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of P1.6 billion for the calamity funds of national government agencies.

The amount will replenish the quick response funds (QRFs) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Of the total, the DPWH has received P1 billion to replenish its builtin QRF, which it requested to be refilled for the third time.

Meanwhile, the DBM has released P625 million to replenish the DSWD's 2025 QRF. According to the DBM, these funds will be used to stock DSWD warehouses with relief goods and provide emergency cash aid to families in areas affected by calamities.

The funds, including the fresh allocation to the DPWH, will support reconstruction and rehabilitation programs, activities, and projects.

This includes pre-positioning goods and equipment in communities affected by calamities that occurred in the last quarter of the previous year, as well as those impacted during the current year.

"This is a whole-of-government approach—from the release of funds, to the delivery of emergency services, and the conduct of ground zero assessments," Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in an Oct. 3 statement, following the President's directive to provide immediate support to the earthquake victims in Cebu.

"Our government is prepared.

We have standby funds that can be tapped immediately to deliver assistance to those affected. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed," Pangandaman said.

Agencies such as the DSWD, the DPWH, and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) have QRFS that can be tapped immediately to help affected communities.