The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ensured that the fund for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine procurement is adequate.
According to DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado, the government has allocated ₱82.5 billion for the vaccine procurement where ₱10B came from the Bayanihan 2, ₱2.5B from the 2021 budget, and ₱70B are part of the unprogrammed funds acquired through excess revenues of the government and loan proceeds.
The budget of all government agencies for the first quarter of 2021 has been released including the funds for storage facility, transportation, and other requisites for the distribution of the vaccine.
The DBM Chief added that the Asian Development Bank and World Bank are ready to give loans to the country if needed. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
