THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to release P375 million to support rehabilitation efforts in Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30.
On October 2, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman instructed the DBM to immediately process the release of P150 million for Cebu province and P75 million for each of the municipalities of San Remigio, Bogo City and Medellin sourced from the Local Government Support Fund. The DBM assured the public that the national government has sufficient funds to quickly respond to the needs of the province.
‘Our government is prepared. We have standby funds that can be tapped immediately to deliver assistance to those affected. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,’ Pangandaman said.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRM) Fund stood at P5.3 billion as of October 2. This calamity fund can be used for broader rehabilitation efforts and the repair of infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development was given P625 million for the replenishment of its Quick Response Fund (QRF), while the Department of Public Works and Highways received P1 billion.
The QRF is an emergency standby fund lodged under the NDRRM Fund, enabling frontline agencies to provide immediate assistance to areas affected by disasters and emergencies.
‘This is a whole-of-government approach-from the release of funds, to the delivery of emergency services, and the conduct of ground zero assessments,’ Pangandaman said.
Citing the latest reports, the DBM said the 6.9-magnitude earthquake left 72 people dead and nearly 300 injured in Cebu. Despite the extensive damage, the DBM vowed to provide the government’s support to speed up Cebu’s recovery and assist neighboring areas.