The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved on Thursday, the release of Php 875 million, as per the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) request for the immediate replenishment of their Quick Response Funds (QRF).
The DSWD’s request came following the consecutive storms that hit the country in recent months. The said budget will be utilized for the agency’s response and relief efforts during calamities. Earlier this month, Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Assistant Secretary and DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao told reporters that they had requested the DBM for augmentation support.
A total of Php 875 million was requested for the DBM. Upon its approval, the money will be allotted to families affected by Kristine, Leon, and Marce, including other calamities or disasters that may follow.
“Dahil ongoing pa rin yung procurement natin to produce family food packs, we hope we could have our replenishment already so we can sustain our production,” Dumlao said.
With the ongoing efforts to aid affected individuals by the calamities, the DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman recognized the DSWD’s role in responding to the needs of those affected.
"Alam natin na mahalaga ang papel ng DSWD sa pag-alalay at pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan lalo’t sunud-sunod ang nangyaring mga kalamidad,” Pangandaman said.
“Kaya nung nag-request sila na i-replenish ang kanilang QRF, agad natin 'yang tinugunan bilang pagsunod din sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na siguruhing may nakaantabay tayong pondo para sa anumang sakuna," she added.
The requested fund will be sourced from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
As of October 2024, the DBM said that the DSWD’s balance reached below the 50% threshold at Php 557.77. With the approval of the agency’s request, an immediate response with recovery and support services can push through.
