DBM OKs P1.684-B calamity fund reloading for DA, DSWD, PCG

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved P1.684 billion to replenish the Quick Response Funds (QRF) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for disaster response and recovery operations.

This follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track rehabilitation in areas affected by recent calamities, including tropical cyclones and African Swine Fever.

The Department of Agriculture received P1 billion to support recovery and rehabilitation programs for agriculture, livestock, poultry, and fisheries, including repairs to production facilities, provision of inputs, and cash aid for affected farmers and fishers.

DBM said the fund will also serve as a stand-by resource for agricultural recovery efforts in anticipation of future disasters, including the potential impacts of Super Typhoon Uwan.

“Malaki ang damage ng mga bagyo at sakuna sa ating agrikultura at ang numero uno pong biktima n’yan ‘yung ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda (The damage caused by storms and disasters to our agriculture is significant, and the number one victims are our farmers and fishermen),” said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“Kaya sa hiling po ng DA na i-replenish ‘yung kanilang QRF, agad na inaprubahan po natin ‘yan, in anticipation also of other weather disturbances this year, lalo na at may paparating tayong super typhoon (So when the DA requested to replenish their Quick Response Fund, we immediately approved it, also in anticipation of other weather disturbances this year, especially with a super typhoon approaching),” she added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development received P631.023 million for procuring Family Food Packs, Non-Food Items, stockpiling relief goods, and providing emergency cash transfers to 58,962 affected families, while also covering warehouse rentals, administrative costs, and stand-by funds for DSWD regional offices. 

It will also cover warehouse rentals, administrative costs, and stand-by funds for DSWD regional offices.

“This replenishment of QRF for DSWD will ensure that our affected kababayans continue to receive needed financial aid, relief goods, and livelihood to help them recover from disasters,” the DBM chief said. 

The DBM had previously released P1.982 billion to the DSWD in October for QRF replenishment, ensuring continuous support for disaster-affected communities.

The funds aim to strengthen emergency preparedness and allow rapid response to both ongoing and future calamities, including the anticipated impacts of Super Typhoon Uwan.

Further, the Philippine Coast Guard was allocated P53.007 million to support relief, rehabilitation, and search-and-rescue operations during disasters.

“Alam naman natin na sa oras ng sakuna, nandiyan palagi ang ating Philippine Coast Guard—handang magligtas ng buhay ng maraming nating kababayang nasa peligro,” Secretary Pangandaman said.

“During these times, mas kailangan nila ng ating tulong at suporta,” she emphasized.