DBM: Unprogrammed funds may be tapped in relief ops for Kristine victims

(File photo from PNA)

MANILA, Philippines — Unprogrammed funds may be used in case the available disaster funds allotted for response efforts are not enough in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).

This guideline came from Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Friday.

“Assuming we need more funding, we can tap the unprogrammed appropriations,” she told President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in a briefing in Malacañang.

“Rest assured, Mr. President and members of the cabinet, that the DBM remains unwavering in the commitment to provide funds to the agencies that require support or programs focused on immediate disaster response and rehabilitation,” remarked the chief of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

As of October 2024, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) has a total available balance of more than P1.9 billion, according to data released by the DBM.

Pangandaman said there is a pending request for the DBM to release a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to earmark the available NDRRMF funds for the replenishment of the Quick Response Fund (QRF).

She said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is asking for P1 billion.

She added the Philippine National Police and the Office of Civil Defense are also requesting an additional P25 million and P37.5 million.

“The available balance of the NDRRMF after the issuance of SARO for these QRF augmentation requests will be P921.4 million,” she said.

Pangandaman also gave an update on the status of the QRF, noting that the PNP is the only agency that was able to fully use its QRF amounting to P58 million.

She said the Department of Education (DepEd), which received the highest QRF allocation of P3.5 billion, recorded the second lowest utilization rate, with only 7.3 percent.

She noted that the DepEd still has more than P3 billion that can be used for the repair of school buildings damaged during the onslaught of Kristine.

She also mentioned the Department of Agriculture still has more than P1.5 billion worth of WRF that can be used for disaster response.

Pangandaman said the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) can also be used to support disaster risk management activities, including pre-disaster preparedness programs, and post-disaster activities.

The LDRRMF, she said, may also be earmarked for the payment of premiums on calamity insurance.

Pangandaman said all government departments, bureaus and offices are also authorized to use a portion of their appropriations to implement projects designed to address disaster risk-related activities.

This action must just be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“Another source could be the Contingent Fund. It has a balance of P10.33 billion to date, Mr. President,” she pointed out.

“The appropriation may be utilized for the funding requirements of new and urgent activities or projects of the national governments, agencies, GOCCs, local government units,” she said.

In a statement issued Friday, Marcos directed Pangandaman to expedite the release of all necessary funds to facilitate the immediate procurement of needed resources in areas hit by Kristine.

During the situation briefing, Marcos ordered government agencies concerned to be “more creative and be able to maximize our resources.”

“Just keep me informed and whatever problems arise. Just raise them up with me,” he told the budget secretary.

“If not, actually, among yourselves, if you can solve it. Just do it that way as quickly as possible,” he emphasized.

“Just remember, there are people still in water right now. They are still flooded. They are walking around with water,” he stressed.

“They have no water supply. They have no food. They have no place to stay,” Marcos said. “So, if you think you’re tired, think of what their condition is. So, let us always keep that in mind.” (PNA)