Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP1.684 billion to replenish the quick response funds (QRF) of key government agencies leading post-disaster relief and recovery following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DBM stated that the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will receive the calamity funds upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track rehabilitation in areas battered by recent calamities. Of the total, PHP1 billion was released to the DA to strengthen rehabilitation programs in regions hit by African swine fever and recent storms, as well as to prepare for upcoming weather disturbances.

The DA’s replenished QRF will fund crop and livestock inputs, repair of agricultural facilities, and cash aid or equipment for affected farmers and fishers under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Meanwhile, PHP631.023 million has been released to the DSWD to support the distribution of family food packs and non-food items, stockpiling of relief goods, and emergency cash transfers for nearly 59,000 families affected by recent disasters.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman commented on the replenishment, stating that it will ensure that affected citizens continue to receive needed financial aid, relief goods, and livelihood support to help them recover from disasters. Earlier in October, the DBM also released PHP1.982 billion to the DSWD for QRF replenishment.

The DBM has also allocated PHP53.007 million to the PCG to bolster its search and rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations. One of the year’s strongest typhoons, Uwan, recently pummeled the Bicol Region and Aurora province before sweeping across the rest of Central Luzon.