Residents check their belongings at a village in Manila on July 25, 2024, a day after heavy rains fuelled by Typhoon Gaemi and the seasonal monsoon lashed Manila and surrounding regions in recent days. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The government still has an P11-billion calamity fund that can be used for relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi), according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
The DBM on Wednesday said the government still has P11.123 billion in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) out of the P22.736-billion allocation under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“Our government is prepared. We are ready to support all operations for disaster rescue and relief with the necessary budget. Identified frontline government agencies may mobilize their Quick Response Fund (QRF) allocated in their respective budgets,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
READ: Carina kills 13 in PH as it worsens monsoon rains on its way to Taiwan
The QRF is a standby fund that agencies use to assist calamity-stricken communities.
Agencies with QRF under the 2024 GAA can request a replenishment to DBM once 50% of the fund has been used. These are the following:
- Department of Education: P3 billion
- Department of Social Welfare and Development: P1.75 billion
- Department of Agriculture: P1 billion
- Department of Public Works and Highways: P1 billion
- Department of Health: P500 million
- Office of Civil Defense: P500 million
- Philippine Coast Guard: P75 million
- Bureau of Fire and Protection: P50 million
- Philippine National Police: P50 million
The DBM also said agencies may use the NDRRMF under the 2024 GAA upon completion of damage assessment, recommendation by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and approval by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act, the NDRRMF is allotted for “disaster risk reduction, mitigation, prevention, recovery, and reconstruction efforts to address the impact of natural or human-induced calamities.”
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Thursday said Metro Manila, Batangas, Cavite, Oriental Mindoro, Bataan, and Bulacan were placed under a state of calamity due to the onslaught of Carina.
READ: More Luzon areas under state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina
Carina exited the Philippine area of responsibility Thursday morning.
READ: Typhoon Carina exits PAR