DBM OKs P1.684-B emergency fund

DBM OKs P1.684-B emergency fund | Daily Tribune

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

This follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track the rehabilitation of areas affected by recent calamities, including typhoons and the African swine fever.

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

The DBM said the fund will also serve as a standby resource for agricultural recovery efforts in anticipation of future disasters, including the impacts of super typhoon “Uwan.”

“The damage from storms and disasters to our agriculture is significant, and the number one victims are our farmers and fisherfolk,” said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“So at the DA’s request, we immediately replenished its QRF in anticipation of more weather disturbances this year,” she added.

Meanwhile, the DSWD received P631.023 million to procure family food packs and non-food items, to stockpile relief goods, and to provide emergency cash transfers to 58,962 affected families, while covering warehouse rentals, administrative expenses, and standby funds for its regional offices.

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

The DBM had released P1.982 billion to the DSWD in October to replenish its QRF and ensure continuous support for disaster-affected communities.

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

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

“We know that in times of disaster, our Coast Guard is always there, ready to save the lives of Filipinos in danger,” Pangandaman said. “During these times, they need our help and support even more.”