Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP716.15 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to replenish its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for disaster-hit communities. This move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite and enhance relief operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DBM emphasized that this replenishment ensures the DSWD can continue providing essential support, such as food, shelter, and cash aid, to families in need. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlighted that the funds will aid in stockpiling Family Food Packs (FFPs) and Non-Food Items (NFIs) for approximately 424,681 families. It will also facilitate the distribution of Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) to about 41,502 families affected by the Southwest Monsoon and tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong in Regions 5 (Bicol), 4-B (Mimaropa), and 2 (Cagayan Valley).
Additionally, the fund will cover transport and logistics, stand-by regional allocations, and other operational support to expedite aid and service delivery. The amount will be drawn from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act (Republic Act 12116).
Pangandaman stressed the importance of immediate aid, stating, "When disasters strike, hindi po dapat maghintay ang ating mga kababayan sa tulong. Sinisiguro po ng ating Quick Response Fund na agaran nating naibabalik ang pag-asa at pagbangon ng bawat Pamilyang Pilipino." This initiative ensures that the Quick Response Fund acts as a stand-by resource for agencies like the DSWD to promptly mobilize relief and rehabilitation assistance during calamities.
The fund can be replenished from the NDRRM Fund once its balance falls to 50 percent, following guidelines from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the DBM. Pangandaman affirmed that the timely release of these funds underscores the Marcos administration's dedication to a proactive and people-centered disaster response.
