P26.13-B Disaster Funds Unreleased as of End-August

The Philippine government had yet to release P26.13 billion in disaster-risk funds as of end-August, with the largest portion intended for rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to local government units (LGUs), latest budget data showed. The unreleased amount represented 65.1% of the P40.15-billion National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), which includes continuing appropriations from 2025 and allocations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The NDRRMF status report as of end-August showed that only P14.02 billion, or 34.9% of the total appropriations, had been released. No releases had been made from the P15.33-billion Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program for LGUs and the P1-billion 2026 People’s Survival Fund (PSF). The government also had P322.86 million in continuing 2025 PSF appropriations that remained available. Under the P23.49-billion 2026 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program, P14.02 billion had been released, leaving an available balance of P9.47 billion. NDRRMF is meant for aid, relief and rehabilitation services to areas affected by human-induced and natural calamities, as well as the repair and reconstruction of permanent structures, including other capital expenditures for disaster operations and rehabilitation activities. Meanwhile, the annual PSF is intended for local government units and accredited local or community organizations to implement climate change adaptation projects. — Justine Irish D. Tabile