P2.33 billion calamity fund released for relief ops in July

MANILA, Philippines —  The government released P2.33 billion in calamity funds last month to finance various disaster relief operations nationwide.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed the government tapped the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund to assist people displaced by typhoons and floods.

The amount brought the total fund releases to P13.54 billion from January to July.

This means the remaining calamity fund stands at P9.2 billion, which the government can utilize for various disaster relief operations until yearend.

For July alone, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received P1.15 billion.

Of the amount, P1 billion was allocated for the replenishment of the DPWH’s quick response fund (QRF) intended for other types of calamity-related infrastructure projects.

The law provides first response agencies with QRFs in their annual budget.

Once the QRF of any agency dips to 50 percent or lower, it can request replenishment from the DBM.

The QRF is used for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or repair of damaged roads, bridges and buildings after every calamity. It is also used to provide immediate assistance to affected Filipinos in certain areas.

The remaining P150.47 million for DPWH is earmarked for calamity-related projects in Pangasinan.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development received P875 million as QRF replenishment.

The Department of Finance, through the Bureau of the Treasury, also received its first calamity fund allocation for the year at P255.5 million.

Of the amount, P226.24 million will be used for the rehabilitation and improvement of various projects in Mountain Province.

Another P14.92 million was allocated for the crop and fishery recovery program in Batangas and P14.34 million for the procurement of rescue equipment for six local disaster risk reduction and management operations centers in Camiguin.

The National Housing Authority received its first calamity fund allocation for 2024 at P49.94 million.

The fund will be used for the implementation of the Villaviciosa Resettlement project that was damaged by an earthquake.