PBBM administration assures sufficient disaster response, recovery funds
Pangandaman
MANILA -- In adherence to the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman approved the release of P875 million to replenish the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The fund is chargeable against the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
"Alam po natin na mahalaga ang papel ng DSWD sa pag-alalay at pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan lalo’t sunud-sunod po ang nangyaring mga kalamidad. Kaya nung nag-request po sila na i-replenish ang kanilang QRF, agad po natin 'yang tinugunan bilang pagsunod din po sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na siguruhing may nakaantabay tayong pondo para sa anumang sakuna," Secretary Pangandaman said.
Under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the NDRRM Fund may be used as an additional funding source for the QRF of implementing agencies when their balance reaches fifty percent, subject to the approval of the DBM.
As of 30 October 2024, DSWD's available QRF balance has reached below the 50 percent threshold at P557.77 million or 31.87 percent of its current appropriations.
The approval of DSWD’s request is crucial to enable prompt delivery of response and early recovery services and intervention under the Disaster Response and Management Program.
The requested replenishment is particularly intended for the procurement of various Family Food Packs and Non-Food Items for the stockpiling of relief resources in DSWD warehouses and the implementation of Cash for Work for the affected families of Typhoon Julian in Region I.
"Malaking bagay po ang pondong ito para tuluy-tuloy na makapagbigay ng tulong ang DSWD sa mga pamilyang nasalanta ng bagyo," the budget secretary said. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)
