THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P2.39 billion in calamity funds as of the end of May, mostly to support rehabilitation projects and to top up quick-response funds.
According to the DBM’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) status update, P18.61 billion remains undisbursed.
The releases included P1.34 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), P747.70 million for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and P303.20 million for the Department of National Defense (DND).
These were all charged against the NDRRMF fund, with no funds taken from the People’s Survival Fund.
The DBM said the DPWH’s request was to support the reconstruction of infrastructure in Tingloy, Batangas, damaged by Typhoon Carina last year.
The DSWD release replenished its 2025 Quick Response Fund (QRF).
The QRF is a stand-by emergency fund to support aid, relief, reconstruction, and rehabilitation in calamity-affected areas.
The DND release supplemented the Office of Civil Defense’s QRF.
May was the first month in which the calamity fund was tapped.
By May 2024, the releases had been P7.13 billion out of the P22.74 billion total.
The government weather service, known as PAGASA, estimates that between 11 and 19 storms are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility until November. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
