To ensure unhampered disaster response amid the consecutive storms that hit the country in recent days, the Department of Social Welfare and Development requested the Department of Budget and Management for the immediate replenishment of the agency’s Quick Response Funds.
Disaster Response Management Group Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said the agency expects the QRF replenishment next week.
“The status of stockpile – our stand by funds is still worth P107 million. Also, we have more than 1.3 million family food packs strategically prepositioned across the country, but we have also requested for augmentation support already from the DBM, and this is currently under review,” Dumlao said.
She said the agency has requested for a total of P875 million from the DBM.
The funds will be directed to department-disbursed assistance to families affected by Kristine, Leon, and Marce, as well as to those who would be affected by disasters and calamities that may follow.
This fund, according to Dumlao, will be crucial to sustain the continuous procurement of food items and the augmentation of relief aid, which is central to the agency’s mandate in times of disasters and crises.
Dumlao added the agency fully respects the Senate Committee on Finance’s proposed amendments to the department’s budget for 2025, including removing AKAP or the “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita” in the line item.
