QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Department of Budget and Management has approved the request of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for P875 million replenishment in its quick response fund (QRF) to ensure the welfare agency’s unhampered disaster response.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that the fresh funds will enable the DSWD to ensure timely support for families affected by typhoons.
The replenishment will be drawn from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund outlined in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), she stated on Nov. 14.
Data indicated that the DSWD’s available QRF had fallen below 50 percent as of Oct. 30, leaving only P557.77 million, which constitutes 31.87 percent of its current budget.
Under this year’s GAA, the NDRRM Fund may be used as an additional funding source for the QRF of implementing agencies when their balance drops below 50 percent, provided they secure approval from the DBM.
The DBM chief said they acted promptly upon the DSWD’s request to replenish its QRF.
She highlighted that approving the DSWD’s request is vital to ensuring timely response and recovery services under the Disaster Response and Management Program.
“Kaya nung nag-request po sila na i-replenish ang kanilang QRF, agad po natin ‘yang tinugunan bilang pagsunod din po sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na siguruhing may nakaantabay tayong pondo para sa anumang sakuna. Malaking bagay po ang pondong ito para tuluy-tuloy na makapagbigay ng tulong ang DSWD sa mga pamilyang nasalanta ng bagyo,” Pangandaman said.
“We understand that the DSWD plays a crucial role in supporting our fellow citizens and addressing their needs, especially in light of recent calamities,” she added.
“The requested replenishment is specifically intended for procuring various family food packs and non-food items to stockpile relief resources in DSWD warehouses, as well as to implement Cash for Work programs for families affected by Typhoon Julian in Region I,” the DBM noted. (PIA DMD)
