Gov’t Allocates P11 Billion Standby Calamity Fund for Carina Aid and Disaster Relief — DBM

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced on Wednesday that the government has over P11 billion in calamity funds ready to support aid and relief operations amid the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

In a statement, the DBM highlighted that approximately P11.123 billion remains in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) from the P22.736-billion allocation under the fiscal year 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA). This amount includes P2.236 billion carried over from the previous year’s budget, available for various disaster relief efforts until the end of 2024.

From January to July, the NDRRMF has already released P11.612 billion.

“Our government is prepared. We are ready to support all operations for disaster rescue and relief with the necessary budget. Identified frontline government agencies may mobilize their Quick Response Fund (QRF) allocated in their respective budgets,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Quick Response Funds (QRF)

The QRF is a pre-disaster standby fund included in the budgets of various agencies to provide immediate assistance in disaster-stricken areas. For FY 2024, the GAA specifies the following QRF allocations:

• Department of Agriculture: P1 billion
• Department of Education: P3 billion
• Department of Health: P500 million
• Bureau of Fire Protection: P50 million
• Philippine National Police: P50 million
• Office of Civil Defense: P500 million
• Department of Public Works and Highways: P1 billion
• Department of Social Welfare and Development: P1.75 billion
• Philippine Coast Guard: P75 million

Agencies with QRF may request replenishment once they utilize at least 50% of their funds. After the typhoon, if further funds are necessary, agencies may tap into the available NDRRMF upon completing a damage assessment and receiving a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), followed by presidential approval.

The NDRRMF can be used for aid, relief, and rehabilitation services in affected communities, as well as for repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction works related to natural or human-induced calamities in the current or two preceding years. It also serves as an additional funding source for QRF agencies when their balance reaches 50%, subject to DBM approval.