DBM replenishes DPWH’s quick response fund

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways as a replenishment of DPWH’s quick response fund.

Budget Undersecretary Goddes Libiran clarified that the P1 billion in calamity funds in July was released to DPWH.

Based on the law, first response agencies, like the DPWH, are allocated QRFs in their annual budget.

“Once the QRF of any agency reaches 50 percent or lower, it can request replenishment from the DBM,” Libiran said.

“The QRF of the DPWH has been used up due to the past calamities. That’s why they requested for replenishment, which the DBM approved last July 12,” she said.

The QRF is used for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or repair of damaged roads, bridges and buildings after every calamity.

It is also being used to provide immediate relief to affected Filipinos in certain areas.

Apart from DPWH, agencies with QRFs include the departments of agriculture, education, health, and social welfare and development, as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and the Office of Civil Defense.

Following the QRF release to the DPWH, the government’s remaining calamity fund stands at P13.7 billion out of the P20.7-billion allocation for 2022.