DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman approved the release of P1 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the implementation of disaster-related infrastructure projects.
The fund was released upon the request of the DPWH.
“Nang tumama po ang sunud-sunod na kalamidad sa bansa, isa ang DPWH sa mga frontline agencies na naubos ang pondo para sa relief at rehabilitation efforts. Kaya po, noong mag-request ang DPWH ng dagdag pondo, agad po natin ‘yang ginawan ng paraan,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
She added: “As directed by President Bongbong Marcos, we shall continue to ensure that we provide needed support to crucial initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of natural calamities. Malaking bagay po itong dagdag na pondo para maipagpatuloy ‘yung rehabilitation and restoration efforts ng DPWH, so that we can have efficient and more resilient infrastructure.”
The Budget Secretary approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the purpose on November 27, 2024. The SARO shall be valid for obligation until December 31, 2025.
For this year, a total of P22.736 billion has been appropriated for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF). Of this amount, P22.479 billion was released to concerned national government agencies, including the DPWH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of National Defense, Department of Finance, Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and Local Government, and other Government Owned and Controlled Corporations as of 28 November 2024. P13.888 billion of which has been released for the augmentation of Quick Response Fund of the same agencies.
The NDRRMF may be used for aid, relief, and rehabilitation services to communities/areas; as well as, repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction works in connection with the occurrence of natural or human induced calamities in the current or two preceding years./PN
