Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed gratitude to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approving a PHP990 million replenishment of the quick response fund (QRF). This fund will be crucial for restocking relief supplies and facilitating emergency cash transfer (ECT) payouts for those impacted by recent typhoons and earthquakes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) highlighted the importance of the DBM's timely release of the QRF. This action is set to ensure the continuous provision of necessary aid, especially to the communities affected by Typhoons Tino (international name Kalmaegi) and Uwan (international name Fung-wong).

Dumlao stated, "This will go to the continuous implementation of emergency cash transfers for those affected by the recent typhoons. We can now start distributing financial assistance to families affected by Tino and Uwan." She made these remarks during a media forum held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

The DSWD spokesperson identified Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas as the regions most in need of ECT payouts. Additionally, Dumlao noted that the DSWD continues to provide relief assistance to those affected by previous disasters, including Typhoons Opong (Bualoi) and Ramil (Fengshen), as well as recent earthquakes in Northern Cebu and Davao Oriental.

Dumlao reassured the public of the DSWD's readiness to respond to Tropical Depression Wilma and other potential weather disturbances expected in December. "The DSWD is prepared. We have 1.3 million family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned across the country and production continues at our Luzon Disaster Resource Center and Visayas Disaster Resource Center," she said.