President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved P8.6 billion in financial assistance for 306 local government units (LGUs) affected by disasters from 2024 to 2026 under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP).
During the ceremonial turnover at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, Marcos said more than P6 billion had already been released, while another P2.5 billion had been approved for distribution to local governments.
The funds will support the rehabilitation of shelters, roads, bridges, public buildings, evacuation facilities, schools, healthcare services, agriculture, fisheries, and social protection programs.
Marcos said the DRRAP provides LGUs with direct financial assistance and flexibility in prioritizing projects based on their communities' needs. He added that the government has shortened the processing period for rehabilitation assistance from eight to 11 months to just four to six months.
The President also warned local officials against corruption, ghost projects, kickbacks, and substandard rehabilitation works, stressing that the funds must directly benefit disaster-stricken communities.
“Pera po ito ng taumbayan at para ito sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta,” Marcos said, emphasizing that public funds must not be used for personal gain.
