Despite concerns over depleted Quick Response Funds (QRF) in some government agencies, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has assured the public that sufficient funds are available to support areas ravaged by recent natural disasters.
In a statement on Thursday, Nov. 7, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman clarified that the QRF is not a single fund but is instead distributed among various agencies.
These include the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police.
Also included are the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Health, and the Department of Transportation, including the Philippine Coast Guard.
“As of October 24, they had a combined P30 billion in QRF funds. Of that amount, they have already obligated roughly P15 billion for disaster response,” Pangandaman said.
The country faced a series of typhoons and other calamities in recent months, putting a strain on government resources dedicated to disaster relief.
Pangandaman acknowledged that the recent surge in natural disasters has led to some agencies exhausting their initial QRF allocations.
"We are now in November, and we have seen that agencies like DSWD and DPWH have used up their QRF and are requesting replenishment," she said.
While the 2024 General Appropriations Act allows agencies to request replenishment from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) once they have utilized at least 50 percent of their QRF, the DBM chief noted that other funding sources are also available.
"The good news is we have around P7 billion remaining in the Contingent Fund," Pangandaman noted. "That's the primary source we can use to immediately address any funding gaps."
In addition to the Contingent Fund, the DBM can also tap into Unprogrammed Appropriations to further bolster disaster relief efforts. Furthermore, the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) is available to provide financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) impacted by disasters.
Pangandaman said that the LGSF can be used for a range of disaster-related needs, including response, rehabilitation, recovery, and the procurement of essential equipment. This is detailed in Local Budget Circular No. 155.
Recognizing the urgent need to support affected communities, Pangandaman also said that agencies can utilize funds from their existing programs and projects to aid in disaster relief.
She cited examples such as the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals In Crisis Situations (AICS) and the DPWH's budget for the maintenance of infrastructure projects.