Manila: The quick response fund (QRF) of government agencies and offices at the forefront of disaster relief and rescue operations has been released, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman made the pronouncement as Tropical Storm Kristine threatens to pummel Luzon. According to Pangandaman, additional funds may be given to front-line agencies should the need arise. 'Naglabas na po kami yesterday and in previous dates ng QRF ng mga front-line offices and agencies (We have released yesterday and previous dates the QRF of front-line offices and agencies). They can already use that budget,' Pangandaman said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. 'And assuming na kailangan po (there is a need for it), we have standby funds naman in the General Appropriations Act.' The budget chief said such agencies as the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Public Works and Highways still have QRFs readily available as they have yet to r equest replenishment. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Kristine was spotted 200 km. east of Casiguran, Aurora as of 11 a.m. Massive flooding has been reported in areas in the Bicol Region, which has been reeling from Kristine's onslaught since Tuesday. Kristine is expected to continue to move closer to Luzon and make landfall on Wednesday night or Thursday morning over Isabela or Aurora. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the coordination of government search and rescue and relief efforts, directing concerned agencies to focus on penetrating severely affected areas like the Bicol Region and keep a close watch on dams' water level to mitigate flooding. Source: Philippines News Agency
Thursday, October 24, 2024