The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a P1 billion fund to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite disaster recovery and rehabilitation efforts
“As directed by President Bongbong Marcos, we shall continue to ensure that we provide needed support to crucial initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of natural calamities,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
“This additional fund is a big deal to continue the rehabilitation and restoration efforts of the DPWH, so that we can have efficient and more resilient infrastructure,” she said.
Pangandaman approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the said purpose on Nov. 27, 2024. The SARO shall be valid for obligation until Dec. 31, 2025.
A total of P22.736 billion has been appropriated for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) this year.
Of this amount, P22.479 billion was released to concerned national government agencies, including the DPWH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of National Defense, Department of Finance, Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and Local Government, and other Government Owned and Controlled Corporations as of Nov. 28, 2024.
About P13.888 billion has been released for the augmentation of Quick Response Fund of the same agencies.
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.