The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has received around PHP1 billion to fund its disaster-related infrastructure projects, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Friday.

The fund was released, after DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Nov. 27 approved the DPWH’s request for a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO).

The DBM said the SARO will be valid for obligation until Dec. 31, 2025.

Pangandaman cited the importance of giving the DPWH the necessary funds to step up its rehabilitation and restoration efforts to make the country’s infrastructure “efficient and more resilient.”

“Nang tumama po ang sunud-sunod na kalamidad sa bansa, isa ang DPWH sa mga frontline agencies na naubos ang pondo para sa relief at rehabilitation efforts. Kaya po noong mag-request ang DPWH ng dagdag pondo, agad po natin ‘yang ginawan ng paraan (When a series of natural calamities hit the country, the DPWH was one of the frontline agencies that ran out of funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts. That’s why, when the DPWH requested additional funds, we immediately took action,” she said.

“As directed by President (Ferdinand) Bongbong (R.) Marcos (Jr.), we shall continue to ensure that we provide needed support to crucial initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of natural calamities,” Pangandaman added.

For 2024, a total of PHP22.736 billion has been appropriated for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF).

About PHP22.479 billion has already been 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 the Interior and Local Government, and other Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, as of Thursday.

Around PHP13.888 billion of the released funds has been used to augment the Quick Response Fund of the government 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. (PNA)