The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said that almost half of the government's calamity funds are still available to assist people affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
According to Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, approximately P11.12 billion remains in the calamity fund out of the total allocation of P22.736 billion for this year, which includes a carryover amount of P2.236 billion from last year's budget.
Pangandaman said the budget carryover can be utilized for various disaster relief operations until the end of 2024.
“Our government is prepared. We are ready to support all operations for disaster rescue and relief with the necessary budget. Identified frontline government agencies may mobilize their Quick Response Fund (QRF) allocated in their respective budgets,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
The QRF is an allocated budget that serves as a pre-disaster or standby fund for agencies to promptly aid areas affected by disasters and emergencies.
The 2024 General Appropriations Act allocates calamity funds in the budgets of the Department of Education (P3 billion), the Department of Public Works and Highways (P1 billion), the Department of Agriculture (P1 billion), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (P1.75 billion).
Other others with QRFs are the Department of Health (P500 million), the Office of Civil Defense (P500 million), the Bureau of Fire Protection (P50 million), the Philippine National Police (P50 million), and the Philippine Coast Guard (P75 million).
Once these agencies have used up at least 50 percent of their QRF, Pangandaman said they could ask the DBM for a replenishment.
Further, after the typhoon, if necessary, agencies may tap into the available National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) under the FY 2024 GAA upon completion of damage assessment and recommendation by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and following the approval of the President.
The NDRRMF may be used for aid, relief, and rehabilitation services to communities/areas; as well as, repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction works in connection with the occurrence of natural or human induced calamities in the current or two preceding years.
The NDRRMF also serves as additional funding source of the QRF agencies when the balance thereof has reached 50 percent, subject to the approval of the DBM.
From January to July 2024, calamity fund releases amounted to about P11.612 billion.
According to state weather bureau, “Carina” did not make landfall in the Philippines, but it has been affecting parts of Northern Luzon and enhancing the southwest monsoon.
As of writing, Metro Manila has been placed under a state of calamity.