The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of ₱1.625 billion to replenish the Quick Response Funds (QRFs) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate relief and recovery efforts for calamity-hit communities, especially those affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.
Of the amount, ₱625 million will go to the DSWD for prepositioning relief goods and providing emergency cash transfers, while ₱1 billion will be allocated to the DPWH for the third replenishment of its built-in QRF.
“The said amounts shall be used for reconstruction and rehabilitation programs, activities, or projects, including the prepositioning of goods and equipment in communities or areas stricken by calamities,” the DBM said.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the need for swift government action:
“Whole-of-government approach po ito—mula sa paglalabas ng pondo, pag-deliver ng emergency service, at pagsasagawa ng ground zero assessment. Our government is prepared. We have standby funds that can be tapped immediately to deliver assistance to those affected. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,” she said.
As of Oct. 2, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) still has ₱5.3 billion available for rehabilitation efforts and infrastructure repairs.
Cebu province has been placed under a state of calamity, allowing faster fund access and immediate relief measures. Marcos also directed the DBM to release an additional ₱375 million to augment the province’s calamity fund.