Government releases P2.66 billion calamity fund

MANILA, Philippines — Up to P2.66 billion in calamity fund was released in November, latest data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed.

The amount is significantly higher than the P633 million the government released in October.

Of the P2.66 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received P1 billion each to replenish the agencies’ quick response fund (QRF).

The remaining P662.5 million was disbursed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), also as part of its QRF.

Under the law, QRFs are allotted annually for first response agencies, such as the DA, DPWH and DSWD. Once the QRF of an 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 other facilities. It can also be utilized to provide immediate relief to those affected by calamities.

The Department of Education, Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Office of Civil Defense are the other agencies with QRFs.

As of late last month, the DBM had released a total of P14.57 billion in calamity fund. About P12 billion or 89 percent was allocated to national government agencies while P1.66 billion went to government-owned and controlled corporations.

The DSWD is the top recipient at P4.23 billion followed by the DPWH with P4.12 billion and DA, P3 billion.

The DBM said P6.13 billion remains of the P20.7 billion National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund or calamity fund for this year.