The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved ₱1.684 billion for the replenishment of Quick Response Funds (QRF) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
RH Leth Narciso reported that the release of these funds means that the agencies can now strengthen their QRFs, enabling faster response to disasters.
In a press release, the DBM said that ₱1 billion of the approved amount will go to the DA to strengthen recovery and rehabilitation programs in regions affected by recent storms, as well as to serve as standby funds for agricultural recovery programs in case of future calamities.
“Malaki ang damage ng mga bagyo at sakuna sa ating agrikultura, at ang numero uno pong biktima n’yan ay ‘yung ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” said DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.
“Kaya noong nag-request po ang DA na i-replenish ‘yung kanilang QRF, agad po nating inaprubahan ‘yan, in anticipation din of other weather disturbances this year, lalo na at may paparating tayong super typhoon,” she added.
DBM said that under the Special Provision of the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the DA will use its QRF for projects such as providing crop, livestock, poultry, and fisheries inputs; repairing production and post-production facilities; and giving cash aid or equipment to affected farmers and fishermen.
Meanwhile, ₱631 million has been allocated to the DSWD for purchasing family food packs and non-food items, storing relief goods, and providing emergency cash transfers to families affected by earthquakes and typhoons in various provinces. The fund is expected to aid 58,962 families.
“Ang replenishment ng QRF para sa DSWD ay titiyak na tuloy-tuloy na makatatanggap ng tulong pinansyal, relief goods, at kabuhayan ang ating mga kababayang naapektuhan ng kalamidad,” Pangandaman said.
“Ang pakiusap po natin sa DSWD, agad din po sana ‘yang makarating sa mga kababayang nasalanta para makabalik sa normal ang kanilang pamumuhay,” she added.
In addition to the ₱631.023 million, the DBM had previously released ₱1.982 billion in October for DSWD’s QRF replenishment.
The PCG, meanwhile, received over ₱53 million to support relief, rehabilitation, and search-and-rescue operations.
“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,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
“During these times, mas kailangan nila ng ating tulong at suporta,” she added.
Currently, Uwan continues to weaken as it moves away from the Ilocos Region, located 175 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur.
Authorities reported that Uwan has left two dead and two injured, but local disaster offices are still verifying figures.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared a one-year state of national calamity following Typhoon Tino, which battered the Visayas.
