DBM OKs release of P1B for development of disaster-related infrastructure, facilities

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday said it approved the release of P1 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the implementation of disaster-related infrastructure projects.

In a statement, the DBM said the release was given the thumbs up by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, “upon the request of the DPWH.”

"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. This additional fund will be a bid help to ensure the continuity of the DPWH’s rehabilitation and restoration efforts so that we can have efficient and more resilient infrastructure," said Pangandaman.

The DBM said the Budget chief approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the stated purpose on November 27, 2024.

The SARO shall be valid for obligation until 31 December 2025.

For this year, the DBM said a total of P22.736 billion has been appropriated for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF).

Of the said 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 November 28, 2024.

The Budget Department said P13.888 billion of the P22.479-billion has been released for the augmentation of Quick Response Fund (QRF) 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. — BAP, GMA Integrated News