Gatchalian pushes ‘Build Back Better Fund’ for calamity relief

Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for the creation of a “Build Back Better Fund” in the 2026 national budget to fast-track recovery efforts and restore the dignity of communities ravaged by recent natural disasters.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Gatchalian said the proposed fund would be geared toward long-term rehabilitation, including rebuilding classrooms, restoring heritage sites, and constructing permanent housing for displaced families.

He noted that the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) is being eyed as a potential financing source for the initiative.

“Pagtulungan nating ibalik ang dignidad ng bawat pamilyang nawalan. Hindi lang tayo magtatayo ng bahay at mga istruktura; magtatayo din tayo ng bagong pag-asa (Let us work together to restore the dignity of every family that has lost everything. We will not only rebuild houses and structures; we will also rebuild hope),” Gatchalian said.

The senator’s push comes amid mounting recovery needs following a series of typhoons and earthquakes that hit various parts of the country in recent months.

Backing his advocacy with direct support, Gatchalian is also donating over P11 million worth of rice to affected areas.

The local government of Valenzuela City, where he previously served as mayor, is contributing over P8 million in cash aid.

Beneficiaries include Bogo City and neighboring towns in Cebu, as well as heavily impacted communities in Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Biliran, and Calbayog City.

Gatchalian emphasized that rehabilitation must go beyond temporary relief and focus on sustainable, community-based recovery.