MANILA: The government has allocated standby funds to boost relief efforts in disaster-stricken regions following recent natural calamities, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced Thursday. This move comes in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s statement regarding the depletion of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) due to the impacts of recent tropical cyclones.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman explained that the QRF is distributed among various agencies to facilitate preparatory activities, relief, and rehabilitation in the event of disasters. As of October 24, approximately half of the PHP30 billion QRF has been utilized. Agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have already requested replenishments for their QRF allocations after fully obligating their funds. Other agencies, however, have not yet exhausted their QRFs.

The 2024 General Appropriations Act allows for the use of the existing
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) balance to augment the QRF. Agencies may request replenishment from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) once they have utilized at least 50% of their QRF.

Pangandaman highlighted that agencies could also access other funding sources, such as the Contingent Fund, which currently holds approximately PHP7 billion, Unprogrammed Appropriations, and the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). Additionally, available funds from existing regular projects and programs may be used to support disaster relief and response efforts.

The DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and the DPWH’s budget for project maintenance were mentioned as potential resources. Pangandaman assured the public of the availability of standby funds under Unprogrammed Appropriations should the Contingent Fund be exhausted.

Local government units (LGUs) may also seek support from the DBM via the Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance (LGSF-FA). Per
Local Budget Circular 155, the LGSF-FA can be utilized for financial assistance to LGUs for various projects, including disaster response, rehabilitation, recovery, and procurement of disaster response equipment and vehicles.