DBM: Over P11-B calamity fund still available

MANILA: More than PHP11 billion or still half of the government's calamity fund for 2024 is at its disposal as the country reels from the effects of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat. According to the Department Budget and Management (DBM), some PHP11.123 billion remains in the calamity fund out of the allocation of PHP22.736 billion for 2024, including a carryover amount of PHP2.236 billion from last year's budget that may be used until yearend. '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,' Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement. The DBM said the following agencies have built-in QRFs in their respective budgets for 2024: a total of PHP1 billion has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture, PHP3 billion for the Department of Education, PHP500 million for the Department of Health, PHP50 million for the Bureau of Fire Protection, PHP50 million for the Philippine National Police, PHP500 million for the Office of Civil Defense, PHP1 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways, PHP1.75 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and PHP75 million for the Philippine Coast Guard. The DBM said these agencies may request for replenishment once they use at least 50 percent of their QRF. If needed, agencies may tap into the available National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund may be used for aid, relief, and rehabilitation services to communities, subject to the approval of the President. Source: Philippines News agency