DBM: P1.95 billion calamity funds released in February

MANILA, Philippines — Up to P1.95 billion in calamity funds was released last month to finance various disaster relief operations.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that P1.14 billion of the national disaster risk reduction and management fund was released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The remaining P875 million was allotted to replenish the quick response fund.

The QRF is used for rehabilitation or repair of damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure facilities aside from providing immediate relief to affected people.

First response agencies such as the DSWD are allocated QRFs in their annual budget. If the QRF of agencies reaches 50 percent or lower, they can request replenishment from the DBM.

The DBM said P260.82 million was disbursed to the DSWD for the implementation of various projects of the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay and Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Cebu.

The Department of Public Works and Highways received P815.21 million in calamity funds last month.

Of the amount, P721.5 million was allotted for calamity-related infrastructure projects in Pangasinan and Palawan while P93.7 million was earmarked for the same purpose in Surigao del Norte.

The remaining calamity funds stand at P20.78 billion, including a P2.2-billion carryover from last year’s budget.

Last year, P19.74 billion in calamity funds was released to various government agencies.