DBM releases close to P30 billion assistance in first 100 days

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management released nearly P30 billion in assistance to various sectors during the first 100 days in office of the new administration.

In a report, the DBM said a total of P29.7 billion has been disbursed since July until the 100th day in office of the new administration over the weekend.

The biggest release, at P11.5 billion, was earmarked for the One-COVID allowance and health emergency claims of 1.6 million eligible public and private healthcare and non-healthcare workers.

Another P8.05 billion was released to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the distribution of P5,000 in subsidy to 1.56 million rice farmers for the second semester of the year.

This is in line with the implementation of the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance program as the Rice Tariffication Law continues to impact local farmers.

Some P4.13 billion was also disbursed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help mitigate the impact of inflation, especially on the most vulnerable households, through the targeted cash transfer program.

This covered the second tranche requirements for the implementation of the program and is expected to benefit over four million beneficiaries.

The DSWD likewise received another P2 billion to assist Filipinos in crisis situations via the provision of integrated services, including financial assistance for transportation, medical, burial, food and other support services.

The DSWD also secured P1.58 billion to support the P10,000 emergency shelter assistance to over 150,000 households affected by Typhoon Odette.

This will aid in the reconstruction of 153,410 totally damaged houses in Western and Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga region.

Further, the Department of Transportation received P1.4 billion for the extended implementation of the Libreng Sakay program along the EDSA Bus Carousel until December.

Some P1.04 billion was also released to the health department to cover the unpaid COVID special risk allowance claims of 55,211 health workers.

On top of the nearly P30 billion in assistance, the DBM also replenished the quick response funds (QRF) of various agencies such as the DA, DSWD, and the Department of Public Works and Highways for the immediate relief and assistance of calamity victims in the country.

The QRF is used for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or repair of damaged roads, bridges, and buildings, among others after every calamity.

It is also used to provide immediate relief to affected Filipinos in certain areas.