Government releases P3.4 billion calamity funds in Q1

MANILA, Philippines — The government released a total of P3.4 billion in calamity funds in the first quarter of the year as it financed various disaster relief operations.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed the government tapped the national disaster risk reduction management fund (NDRRMF), most commonly known as the calamity fund, last month, releasing some P1.46 billion.

This brought the January to March calamity fund releases to P3.41 billion.

For March alone, recipients of the fund were the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Nearly 60 percent of the total fund released in March went to the DSWD at P875 million, which was entirely earmarked for the replenishment of its quick response fund (QRF).

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.

Based on the law, first response agencies such as the DSWD 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 remaining P585.71 million was disbursed to the DPWH last month.

Bulk of the amount at P408.34 million was allotted for calamity-related projects in Cagayan while P177.37 million was for infrastructure rehabilitation in Ilocos Region.

For the three-month period, total calamity fund releases reached P3.41 billion with nearly 60 percent or P2 billion of which went to the DSWD. The other P1.4 billion was freed up for the DPWH.

Other agencies have yet to receive calamity funds as of end-March.

The remaining fund stands at P19.32 billion, including the P2.2 billion carry over from last year’s budget.