The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP716.15 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to replenish its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for disaster-hit communities.

In a statement on Thursday, the DBM said the move is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for faster, more compassionate relief operations.

“This replenishment helps guarantee the DSWD can continue to provide food, shelter, and cash aid to families when they need it most,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

The replenishment will support the stockpiling of Family Food Packs (FFPs) and Non-Food Items (NFIs) for around 424,681 families, and the distribution of Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) to about 41,502 families affected by the Southwest Monsoon and tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong in Regions 5 (Bicol), 4-B (Mimaropa), and 2 (Cagayan Valley).

Part of the fund will also cover transport and logistics, stand-by regional allocations, and other operational support to speed up the delivery of aid and services.

The amount will be charged to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act (Republic Act 12116).

“When disasters strike, hindi po dapat maghintay ang ating mga kababayan sa tulong. Sinisiguro po ng ating Quick Response Fund na agaran nating naibabalik ang pag-asa at pagbangon ng bawat Pamilyang Pilipino (When disasters strike, our countrymen should not have to wait for help. Our Quick Response Fund ensures that we immediately restore hope and recovery for every Filipino family),” Pangandaman said.

The Quick Response Fund serves as a stand-by fund that allows agencies like the DSWD to immediately mobilize relief and rehabilitation assistance during calamities.

Once the balance drops to 50 percent, it may be replenished from the NDRRM Fund, following guidelines set by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the DBM.

Pangandaman said the timely release of funds reinforces the Marcos administration’s commitment to proactive and people-centered disaster response. (PNA)