DBM releases ₱1.7-billion calamity fund to aid disaster-hit regions
By Derco Rosal
At A Glance
- To fast-track recovery in disaster-hit areas across the Philippines, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved ₱1.7 billion in quick response funds (QRF) for the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
To fast-track recovery in disaster-hit areas across the Philippines, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved ₱1.7 billion in quick response funds (QRF) for the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
About ₱1 billion has been released to the DA to boost recovery and rehabilitation efforts in areas hit by African swine fever (ASF) and recent typhoons.
This will also serve as a standby resource for agricultural recovery in case of future disasters, including the possible impact of Super Typhoon Uwan.
Due to the severe damage the latest typhoons have caused to agriculture, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the DBM “immediately approved” the request to replenish the DA’s QRF.
Pangandaman also said this move comes in anticipation of other weather disturbances before year-end.
As outlined in the ₱6.326-trillion 2025 national budget, the DA’s calamity fund will cover farm and fisheries inputs, repair of production facilities, and cash or tool assistance for affected farmers and fishers.
Meanwhile, ₱631 million was released to the DSWD to top up its 2025 QRF, funding food and non-food relief packs, stockpiling of supplies, and emergency cash aid for nearly 59,000 families affected by earthquakes and storms nationwide.
It will cover warehouse rentals, administrative expenses, and standby funds for DSWD regional offices.
“This replenishment of the DSWD’s QRF will ensure that our affected fellow Filipinos continue to receive the financial aid, relief goods, and livelihood support they need to recover from disasters,” Pangandaman said.
Pangandaman added that they are urging the DSWD to quickly deliver aid to affected communities so they can return to normal life. Last month, the DBM released ₱2 billion to the DSWD to top up its QRF.
Additionally, the DBM likewise released ₱53 million to PCG to support its relief, rehabilitation, and search-and-rescue operations during disasters.