DBM releases fund for spending in Q2

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released funds for the second quarter operating requirements of line agencies to ensure their continuous operations amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a statement, DBM said it has released Friday the notices of cash allocation (NCA) covering the national government agencies’ spending requirements for the second quarter to their respective government servicing banks.

NCA refers to the disbursement authority issued by the DBM, which are used to pay for projects and services.

 DBM said the NCAs are ready for crediting to the respective Modified Disbursement System (MDS) accounts of agencies on the first working day of April 2020.

According to the DBM, the early release of the NCAs will ensure the unhampered operation of the national government despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, as well as the continuous provision of compensation to all public officials, employees and personnel under contract of services or job order arrangement.

DBM said the NCAs also cover the clothing allowance as well as the mid-year bonus of government employees authorized under Republic Act 11466.

Meanwhile, the budget department also issued Special Allotment Release Order (SAROs), covering the salary differential of civilian government personnel effective Jan. 1 this year.

This is in relation to the first tranche of compensation adjustment for civilian personnel, pursuant to RA 11466 and DBM National Budget Circular 579.

To ensure the continuous issuance and release of obligation, disbursement and other authorities to all line agencies, DBM has put in place a skeleton workforce within the agency.

“SAROs and Advice of NCAs Issued may be picked-up by the official agency liaison officers from the DBM-Central Printing and Releasing Unit from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” DBM said.

Earlier, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the government has available funds to ensure the continuity of programs, including the Build Build Build initiative.

The purchase of equipment and supplies needed by the DOH, as well as the provision of vital goods and services, including those of the uniformed personnel, will also continue, he said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez also said earlier the government is prepared to increase its borrowings to continue funding government programs and to cushion the impact of COVID-19, amid a projected decline in government revenues.