By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – The government has sufficient funds to respond to communities affected by Super Typhoon “Nando” (international name: Ragasa), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman assured on Monday.
In a statement, Pangandaman said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered immediate support for Filipinos affected by Nando, as well as the frontline agencies working to ensure they are promptly assisted.
“Rest assured that on the part of the DBM, may nakahanda po tayong pondo para rito (we have funds ready for this),” she said.
As of Sept. 22, Pangandaman said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) stands at PHP8.633 billion, allocated for aid, relief, rehabilitation, and repair of permanent structures in calamity-hit areas.
Frontline agencies, including the Departments of Public Works and Highway, Education, Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture, and National Defense-Office of Civil Defense may also tap their Quick Response Funds (QRFs) for immediate disaster operations.
Unlike the NDRRMF, QRFs can be used without NDRRMC recommendation or presidential approval, and replenishment may be requested once at least 50 percent is utilized.
“Hindi po dapat mag-alala ang ating mga kababayan. May sapat po tayong pondo at sisiguraduhin ng DBM na mabilis ang pagproseso, basta’t kumpleto at maayos ang dokumento (Our citizens should not worry. We have sufficient funds, and the DBM will ensure quick processing as long as documents are complete and in order),” Pangandaman said.
She also called on all government agencies to ensure that funds reach intended beneficiaries immediately. (PNA)
