The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday expressed gratitude to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for releasing ₱990 million in Quick Response Fund (QRF) to replenish relief supplies and support emergency cash transfer (ECT) payouts for communities affected by recent disasters.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the timely release of the QRF will ensure uninterrupted delivery of assistance, particularly to families hit by Typhoons Tino (Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-Wong).
“This will go to the continuous implementation of emergency cash transfers for those affected by the recent typhoons… specifically those affected by Tino and Uwan,” Dumlao said in a media forum at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
She noted that the most affected areas needing immediate ECT distribution include Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
Dumlao added that the DSWD is also sustaining aid distribution for victims of previous disasters, including Typhoons Opong (Bualoi) and Ramil (Fengshen), as well as the earthquakes that recently struck Northern Cebu and Davao Oriental.
With Tropical Depression Wilma currently affecting parts of the country, Dumlao assured the public that the agency remains ready to respond.
“The DSWD is prepared. We have 1.3 million family food packs prepositioned nationwide, and production continues at our Luzon and Visayas Disaster Resource Centers,” she said.
The department said it will continue monitoring developing weather systems to ensure immediate deployment of relief and financial assistance when necessary.