DBM releases P875 million to replenish DSWD’s quick response fund

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P875 million to replenish the quick response fund (QRF) for calamity and disaster relief operations.

In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the DBM has greenlighted the P875-million QRF replenishment to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

As of end-October, DSWD’s available QRF balance has reached below the 50 percent threshold at P557.77 million or 31.87 percent of its current appropriations.

Based on the law, 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.

Pangandaman said the approval of DSWD’s request is crucial to enable prompt delivery of response and early recovery services and intervention under the Disaster Response and Management Program.

The QRF replenishment is particularly intended for the procurement of various family food packs and non-food items for the stockpiling of relief resources in DSWD warehouses.

It will also be used for the implementation of cash for work for the affected families of Typhoon Julian in the Ilocos Region.