DBM releases P1.8B for Odette-stricken LGUs, frontline agencies

Fallen trees and those shredded of their leaves by the sheer fury of the winds of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) give no shade under the blazing sun in this photo taken on Dec. 20 of a street on Siargao four days after the island received the full force of the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year. (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released an additional P1 billion to local government units (LGUs) affected by Typhoon Odette and a total of P827 million to replenish the quick response fund (QRF) of frontline agencies.

According to DBM, P84.38 million was released to LGUs in the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region, P248.35 million in Western Visayas, P202.66 million in Central Visayas, P115.43 million in Eastern Visayas, P84.37 million in Northern Mindanao, and P264.81 million in the Caraga region.

“The allocations for the respective regions were computed based on the number of affected households and on the proportionate amount of damage incurred by Typhoon Odette on the region’s infrastructure and agricultural sectors, as recently reported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” the DBM explained in a press statement on Tuesday night.

The total funding requirement was charged from the 2021 Contingent Fund and shall be downloaded to the respective authorized government servicing banks of the LGUs by the Bureau of the Treasury, according to the agency.

Meanwhile, the DBM also released a total of P827.18 million to frontline agencies for the replenishment of their respective QRF.

A total of P662.50 million was released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, P139.68 million to the Office of Civil Defense, and P25 million for the Philippine National Police.

The funds were from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

The money can be used for aid, relief, and rehabilitation services for communities affected by natural calamities, among others.

As of December 27, the DBM has so far released P2.83 billion to both national and local governments to fund their respective programs and projects in the wake of  Typhoon Odette’s devastation.

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