By Brian Campued
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P1.684 billion to replenish the quick response funds (QRF) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Department of Agriculture (D.A.).
In a news release Monday, the DBM said the calamity funds will be used in post-disaster relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The D.A. will receive P1 billion to strengthen recovery and rehabilitation programs in regions affected by the African swine fever and recent typhoons, as well as to prepare for future calamities.
Under the special provisions of the 2025 General Appropriations Act, the reloaded QRF for D.A. will fund crop, livestock, poultry, and fishery inputs; repair of agricultural facilities; and distribution of cash aid or equipment for affected farmers and fisherfolk.
The DBM also allocated P53.007 million to the PCG to bolster its search and rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts during emergencies and disasters.
“Alam naman natin na sa oras ng sakuna, nandiyan palagi ang ating Philippine Coast Guard—handang magligtas ng buhay ng marami nating kababayang nasa peligro,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
“During these times, mas kailangan nila ng ating tulong at suporta,” she added.
Around P631.023 million was allocated to DSWD for the continuous production and stockpiling of family food packs (FFPs), non-food items (NFIs), and other relief goods; as well as for the rollout of the emergency cash transfer program to 58,962 families affected by recent earthquakes and tropical cyclones.
Earlier in October, the DBM also released P1.982 billion to the DSWD for QRF replenishment.
“Ang replenishment ng QRF para sa DSWD ay titiyak na tuloy-tuloy na makatatanggap ng tulong pinansiyal, relief goods, at kabuhayan ang ating mga kababayang naapektuhan ng kalamidad,” Sec. Pangandaman said.
As of 6:00 a.m. this Tuesday, the DSWD has distributed a total of 611,346 FFPs and 22,628 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes in affected provinces across 15 regions as part of the augmentation request of local government units.
-jpv
