P113 million calamity fund released

MANILA, Philippines — The government released P113 million in calamity fund in January that was used for various disaster relief operations.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed the government barely touched the national disaster risk reduction management fund (NDRRMF), most commonly known as the calamity fund, in January as it released only P113.18 million.

Of the amount, P78 million went to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to cover the release of government subsidy to PPA for the continuous support on the second phase of the construction of port facilities in Marawi.

The remaining P35.18 million was released to the Department of Science and Technology for the funding requirements for science and technology interventions to aid the recovery of fishing livelihood in Typhoon Odette-affected communities in Northern Palawan.

The remaining calamity fund stands at P23.09 billion, including the P2.8 billion carryover from last year’s budget.

Last year, a total of P18 billion in calamity funds were freed up to various government agencies for disaster response.

Calamity funds are being utilized to cover the construction and rehabilitation of various infrastructure affected by typhoons and other calamities.

These funds are also used to replenish government agencies’ quick response funds (QRFs).

First response agencies 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.

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

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