Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is fast-tracking the release of PHP145 million in emergency funds to assist families affected by the series of powerful earthquakes that struck Mindanao.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DBM Secretary, Amenah Pangandaman, announced in a news release that the funds, allocated under the Local Government Support Fund, will aid local governments in disaster response and rehabilitation initiatives. The assistance will include up to PHP150,000 in financial aid for families affected by casualties.

"Our hearts go out to those who lost their loved ones. Napakahirap po ng sitwasyon na pinagdaraanan n'yo (We know how difficult this situation is for you)," Pangandaman stated, expressing sympathy for the affected families.

The emergency funds will be distributed among several provinces, with Davao Oriental receiving PHP50 million, followed by PHP15 million each for Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte. Agusan del Sur will receive PHP20 million, while Dinagat Islands will also receive PHP15 million.

This recent allocation is in addition to PHP2.341 billion released earlier in the month to replenish the Quick Response Funds (QRFs) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). PHP1 billion of this amount was allocated to the DPWH, and PHP1.341 billion to the DSWD, with the latter amount released in two tranches of PHP625 million and PHP716.15 million on October 2 and October 8, respectively.

The DBM has assured the public that the government possesses sufficient resources to continue supporting disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts across the nation.