P787 million calamity funds released in August

MANILA, Philippines — The government released a total of P787 million in calamity funds last month as it financed various disaster relief operations.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that the government tapped the national disaster risk reduction management fund (NDRRMF), most commonly known as the calamity fund, last month, releasing some P787.027 million.

This brought the January to August calamity fund releases to P10.488 billion.

This means that the remaining calamity fund stands at P12.72 billion, which the government can utilize for various disaster relief operations until year end.

Total allocation for the year as approved under the 2023 budget is at P23.21 billion.

For August alone, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) received P525 million.

The entire amount was meant to replenish DSWD’s quick response funds (QRFs).

Based on the law, first response agencies are allocated QRFs in their annual budget. Once the QRF of any agency reaches 50 percent or lower, it can request replenishment from the DBM.

The QRF is used for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or repair of damaged roads, bridges, and buildings, among others after every calamity. It is also being used to provide immediate relief to affected Filipinos in certain areas.

Total releases to DSWD for the eight-month period stood at P3.15 billion.

The remaining P262.027 million in August was released to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Bulk of that at P200 million will cover the funding requirements for the repair and rehabilitation of Surigao City Boulevard and Wharf stretching an area of 1.8 kilometers facing the coastal line which was damaged by Typhoon Odette.

Another P39.311 million will be used for the repair and rehabilitation of national roads in Palawan also damaged by Odette.

The other P22.72 million is earmarked for the implementation of two calamity-related projects in Quirino affected by typhoon Karding.

Calamity funds are being utilized to cover the construction and rehabilitation of various infrastructure affected by typhoons and other calamities.