DBM Says Gov't Can Tap PHP15-B Disaster Relief Fund To Combat El Niño

The national government could tap the remaining PHP15.507 billion under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) for 2024 to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Task Force El Niño reported that a total of 103 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity due to the effects of El Niño, and that the effects of the El Niño phenomenon are expected to linger until June. I Photo: NDRRMC Facebook

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that the PHP15.5-billion balance in the NDRRMF is part of the total PHP20.5 billion allocated for disaster risk reduction and management this year.

The DBM chief took note of the report by Task Force El Niño that a total of 103 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity due to the effects of El Niño, and that the effects of the El Niño phenomenon are expected to linger until June.

“We are prepared to support all operations that seek to cushion the negative impacts of the dry spell affecting various provinces in the country. Our data shows that as of April 24 this year, the disaster relief fund stands at over PHP15 billion,” she stressed.

She also revealed that the current NDRRMF balance includes PHP1 billion allocated for the parametric insurance coverage of government facilities against natural calamities.

Pangandaman said that there are also built-in budgetary allocations for various government agencies known as quick response funds (QRFs) totaling PHP7.825 billion and discussed the respective QRF allocations of agencies this year.

A total of PHP1 billion has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture, PHP3 billion to the Department of Education, PHP500 million to the Department of Health, PHP50 million to the Bureau of Fire Protection, PHP50 million to the Philippine National Police, PHP500 million to the Office of Civil Defense, PHP1 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways, PHP1.75 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and PHP75 million to the Philippine Coast Guard.

Pangandaman further stated, “Aside from that, several identified agencies may mobilize their QRF allocated in their respective budgets when necessary, in accordance with the respective special provisions for QRF. It would be a huge help for the affected communities in the country.”