DBM releases P625 million to DSWD for quick response fund

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management has released P625 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the revitalization of its quick response fund, aimed at providing immediate relief and assistance during emergencies and calamities.

Budget Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran told The STAR that the budget is chargeable against the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) fund under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

“The quick response fund functions as a standby or pre-disaster fund, providing immediate assistance to communities or areas affected by disasters, epidemics or various crises,” she said.

“It includes provisions for rapid relief, recovery and other services aimed at normalizing conditions and livelihoods in affected regions,” Libiran added.

The P625 million is documented in DBM’s national cash allotment listing.

The Philippines has so far spent P3.6 billion from its NDRRM fund, with P16.4 billion still available for use as of June 30, according to data from the DBM.

It showed that DSWD has P1.9 billion for the disaster response fund, followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways with P1.3 billion.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense still has P303 million remaining, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government has P50 million available for disaster response efforts.

The release comes as the government ramps up relief operations for areas devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon, which have displaced nearly half a million families and caused widespread damage across multiple regions nationwide.

Cash aid

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, meanwhile, announced that the agency is ready to provide cash assistance to families affected by the Crising devastation.

Gatchalian said cash assistance is essential to families whose homes or livelihoods were damaged and who need help with rebuilding or purchasing items not covered by the FFPs.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), for its part, assured the public that the recent weather disturbances should not cause a spike in the prices of farm goods in the market, including rice and vegetables.

Agriculture spokesman Arnel de Mesa said transport of farm goods from key-producing areas to the cities remains open and free despite the series of flooding and non-stop rains in the past days.

The DA said at least 15,868 hectares of agricultural areas were affected so far with an estimated production loss of about 10,595 metric tons.

Some 14,722 farmers and fisherfolk in eight regions were affected by the southwest monsoon and Crising (Wipha), according to the agency.

Rice accounted for 66 percent of the recorded damages and losses followed by high value crops at 26 percent and other crops like corn at eight percent.

De Mesa said the DA has set aside an initial P1.2 billion for its interventions to help affected farmers and fisherfolk recover immediately from the typhoon onslaught.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has cautioned the public against taking doxycycline without prior medical consultation. –  Jose Rodel Clapano, Jasper Arcalas, Mayen Jaymalin