A total of PHP17.85 billion has been released under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ directive to ensure aid for calamity victims.

Of the total, about PHP13.96 billion has been released under the Quick Response Fund (QRF) as of Nov. 10, according to the Department of Finance on Wednesday.

“Mahalaga na laging may nakahandang pondo ang gobyerno para sa agarang tugon sa mga emergencies. Bilang pambansang fundraiser, sinisiguro namin sa DOF na tayo ay may sapat na pondo at kakayahan na agad na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino sa oras ng kalamidad (It is necessary for the government to have funds to immediately respond to emergencies. As the country’s fundraiser, we in the DOF ensure that we have adequate funds and capacity to immediately provide for every Filipino’s needs during calamities),” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said in a statement.

The NDRRMF is appropriated annually, and the QRF is part of this, to provide key government agencies standby fund for rehabilitation and recovery of disaster-hit communities.

The DOF said the last QRF release to date amounted to PHP1.68 billion and was made this month to aid relief and rehabilitation measures in areas affected by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong)

“The Department of Agriculture (DA) will receive the bulk amounting to PHP1 billion to strengthen its recovery and rehabilitation programs in regions affected by African swine fever and the recent tropical cyclones,” the press release said.

Also, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will also receive PHP631.03 million to provide family food packs, non-food essentials, relief goods, and emergency cash transfers to 58,962 families.

The Philippine Coast Guard will receive PHP53.01 million to improve its relief, rehabilitation, and search-and-rescue operations in calamity-stricken areas.

Aside from the NDRRMF, Recto said calamity aid is also provided by various government-owned and controlled corporations such as the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), which provided a total of PHP5.8 million worth cash assistance to local governments in Cebu to help victims of the recent earthquake; and Government Service Insurance System and the Social Security System through emergency and calamity loans; and the Home Development Mutual Fund through calamity loans and insurance claims for affected housing loan borrowers. (PNA)