P14 billion in calamity funds released as of August – DBM

MANILA, Philippines — The government has released P14.02 billion in calamity funds as of end-August as it stepped up disaster response and repair efforts, with the bulk going to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported that the amount has been released from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) in the January to August period, leaving P26.13 billion still available. The released fund accounted for nearly 35 percent of the NDRRMF’s P40.15-billion total appropriations for the year. The total amount represents P23.49 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program, P15.33 billion for the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program for local government units (LGUs) and P1 billion for the People’s Survival Fund, accompanied by P322.86 million in continuing appropriations. The DBM said the DSWD was the biggest recipient, receiving P11.43 billion or about 82 percent of P14.02-billion total releases, mainly to replenish its Quick Response Fund (QRF). QRFs are built-in budgetary allocations that represent pre-disaster or standby funds for agencies in order to immediately assist areas stricken by catastrophes and crises. Once the QRF of any agency reaches 50 percent, it can request replenishment from the DBM. The DBM noted that the DSWD received six QRF replenishment requests during the period, ranging from P1.72 billion to nearly P2 billion as of end-August. The DSWD also secured P31.14 million for the repair and improvement of its Regional Disaster Response Command Center Office and Warehouse at Clark Freeport Zone, Phase I, as well as P13.64 million for two special purpose vehicles for disaster operations of its regional office in the Negros Island Region. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways received P1.85 billion in calamity funds while the Department of National Defense got P685.14 million and the Department of the Interior and Local Government received P50 million. Under the proposed 2027 budget, the government has earmarked around P45.67 billion for the NDRRMF, or 14.7 percent higher than this year’s allocation, which is also seen to serve as a fiscal buffer for El Niño and other disasters. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is promoting the use of the provincial climate risk diagnostic tool to map hazards and vulnerabilities in communities and to assist in planning local interventions.? Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the tool would help LGUs make decisions on climate adaptation and development through reliable evidence. – Andrew Ronquillo