P14.5B disaster fund hike for Marawi ok’d
MANILA - On October 30, 2017, the Office of the President approved the augmentation of the FY 2017 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRMMF) amounting to P14.5 billion.
Geared towards providing sufficient funding for the rehabilitation of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, the amount will be sourced from the savings of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for FY 2016 and 2017, amounting to P10.3 billion and P4.2 billion, respectively.
Agencies are now expected to submit their respective Budget Execution Documents (BEDs) to support the release of such funds, especially for the budgetary requirements for Pre-Post Conflict Needs Assessment (Pre-PCNA) inclusive of housing, health and social welfare, business and livelihood, peace and order, and information management and strategic communications support.
Around P495 million sourced from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of National Defense (DND) has already been spent for evacuation and relief of internallydisplaced persons.
Furthermore, a total of P3 billion has been released to DSWD to cover the funding for continuing relief, inclusive of food as-
sistance, provision of hygiene kits, kitchen kits, family kits, sleeping kits, and collapsible water carriers. This amount would also cover DSWD’s budgetary requirements for a cash-for-work program, enlisting residents in reconstruction/rehabilitation community works and project management/ operational support.
P195 million has also been released to DPWH to cover funding for quick response, transitional shelter, and various evacuation centers in Marawi City.
Reorganization of Task Force Bangon Marawi
Meanwhile, following Administrative Order No. 9, the leadership of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) has also been transferred to the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), in order to address the urban planning requirements of the newly liberated city.
Previously, the DND had the lead oversight in the planning and proceedings for the city’s reconstruction and rehabilitation while the fighting ensued. Marawi City has been liberated from the control of ISIS-backed terrorist groups on October 17, 2017, thereby indicating the start of a thorough reconstruction period. DBM PR