DBM: Govt has enough funds for quake relief

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) assured the public that the government has available funds for its relief operations in areas hit by the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted Abra and other parts of Luzon on Wednesday morning.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the government can tap its National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program (NDRRMP) Fund on top of the Quick Response Fund (QRF), which it said “may be mobilized if necessary.”

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all affected by the earthquake. Rest assured that we are ready to support all operations for disaster relief with the necessary budget,” Pangandaman said in a statement on Wednesday.

Of the P19.36 billion NDRRMP Fund (excluding those appropriated for the Marawi rehabilitation), the remaining balance (net of earmarks) as of end-june this year now stood at P12.296 billion, data from the DBM website showed.

The NDRRMP Fund may be used for the reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, aid, relief, and other works or services, including pre-disaster activities, in connection with the occurrence of natural calamities occurring in the current year.

On the other hand, the QRF refers to the standby funds of agencies to immediately assist areas stricken by catastrophes and crises.

Unlike the Calamity or the NDRRMP Fund, the QRF does not require the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council or the approval of the Office of the President (OP) to trigger the use and release of funds. When the QRF gets depleted, the agency may request replenishment with a request to the DBM and to be approved by the OP.