Usec. Edu Punay, DSWD —Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The series of tropical cyclones hitting the northern part of the country is draining government resources, prompting the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to replenish the quick response fund (QRF) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), an official said on Wednesday.
In an interview on state TV, Social Welfare Undersecretary Edu Punay said the last five weather disturbances to hit the country this year had almost drained the agency’s QRF for 2024.
But he gave assurances that the replenishment from the DBM amounting to P875 million could prepare his agency for upcoming calamities.
READ: DSWD prepositions P2.2B in funds, stockpile for typhoon relief
“Indeed, this situation is very peculiar. With these consecutive typhoons, it’s expected that the department will need to release a substantial amount of funds for disaster response,” he noted.
“The DSWD has so far released more than P1 billion for these five cyclones and we only have P100 million remaining in standby funds,” Punay added.
“So we’re expecting [the fund release] within the week or next week, which would be helpful as we prepare for the forthcoming storms,” he said in an interview over “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”
Same areas affected
Punay noted that the recent tropical cyclones hit almost the same areas in northern Luzon.
In late September, Supertyphoon Julian (international name: Krathon) walloped the Batanes group of islands, killing five persons and affecting more than 317,000 individuals across various regions, according to the Office of Civil Defense.
It was followed by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami), which brought heavy rain and flooding, particularly affecting Eastern Visayas, Bicol, Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera regions, and caused 139 deaths.
Two weeks later, Supertyphoon Leon (Kong-rey) struck Metro Manila and nearby provinces with high winds and torrential rains that led to flash floods and landslides and damaged crops and public infrastructure.
Last week, Typhoon Marce (Yinxing) caused extensive damage in northern Luzon with its heavy rains and strong winds causing severe flooding, mudslides, and significant coastal erosion, mainly in Cagayan and nearby provinces.
More cyclones ahead
On Monday, Typhoon Nika (Toraji) swept across Central and northern Luzon, again pummeling and submerging communities still reeling from the effects of the previous storms.
The approaching Typhoon Ofel (Usagi) is expected to make landfall in the country on Thursday and is predicted to follow “Nika’s” path, while another typhoon, Pepito (Man-Yi) is set to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday and will again likely hit Central and northern Luzon. (See related story on this page.)
“This is extra challenging not only for the DSWD but for the entire government. But despite the challenges, we can say that we were ready,” Punay said.
The DSWD has so far distributed 1.4 million family food packs, drinking water and nonfood items such as hygiene kits for the victims of the last typhoons, he added.