Disaster fund gets P716M

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman —PHOTO FROM DBM

MANILA, Philippines – Some 425,000 families reeling from recent disasters could expect more help as a Quick Response Fund gets a P716.15-million top up.

The Department of Budget and Management said the release of such an amount has been approved for this year’s QRF, which the Department of Social Work and Development administers.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement that the approval for the funding was in line with directives from President Marcos.

READ: Dbm-releases-p1-625b-to-fill-up-disaster-qrfs#

“(As the President said,) disaster response must always be fast, compassionate and well-coordinated,” Pangandaman said.

“This replenishment helps guarantee the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can continue to provide food, shelter and cash aid to families when they need it most,” she added.

The fund is intended to support the procurement and stockpiling at DSWD warehouses of family food packs and non-food items meant for about 424,681 families.

Cash transfers

Also, the top up would help emergency cash transfers to around 41,502 families.

These beneficiaries were affected by the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclones “Mirasol,” “Nando” and “Opong.” They reside in communities across the regions of Bicol, Mimaropa and Cagayan Valley.

Further, part of the allocation will cover transport and delivery services, stand-by funds for regional offices and other logistical support necessary for the timely and effective delivery of relief goods and emergency assistance.

According to the DBM, the amount will be charged against the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under this year’s national budget.

Standby fund

“When disasters strike, our countrymen should not be made to wait for help. The QRF ensures that every Filipino family immediately regains hope and recovers [from disasters],” Pangandaman said.

The QRF serves as a stand-by fund that agencies like the DSWD can immediately tap for relief and rehabilitation programs during calamities.

The fund may later be replenished from the NDRRM Fund once the balance reaches 50 percent. This is subject to guidelines set by the Office of Civil Defense and the DBM.

According to the DBM, it continues to guarantee that the government’s disaster response efforts remain proactive, efficient through timely fund releases.