The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday assured the public that the government has sufficient funds for the disaster response and recovery efforts in calamity-stricken areas in the country.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the government is ready to respond to the needs of individuals displaced by the massive flooding triggered by heavy rains brought about by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” in many parts of the country.

Pangandaman added that there are available funds that could be used in areas affected by the adverse effects of weather disturbances.

She said the availability of calamity funds is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that Filipinos in disaster-hit areas are given immediate and necessary support.

“Sa ating national budget naman po, may nakalaan tayong pondo na handang tumugon sa panahon ng kalamidad o ‘yung tinatawag po nating NDRRMF (In our national budget, we have funds set aside to respond during calamities or what we call the NDRRMF [National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund]),” Pangandaman said.

“Bawat front-line agencies din po ay may stand-by fund na maaaring gamitin sa relief and recovery efforts. So, we appeal to them to closely coordinate with us so we can provide them with what they need, including the replenishment of their Quick Response Funds (Each front-line agency also has a stand-by fund that can be used for relief and recovery efforts. So, we appeal to them to closely coordinate with us so we can provide them with what they need, including the replenishment of their Quick Response Funds).”

The QRF is a built-in stand-by fund that agencies use in their preparedness, and relief and rehabilitation efforts during disasters and calamities.

Concerned agencies may request the DBM to replenish their respective QRFs when at least 50 percent of the funds have already been obligated.

Pangandaman said the public need not worry, as the DBM would expedite the release of the calamity funds.

“Huwag pong mag-alala ang ating mga kababayan dahil may sapat pong pondo ang pamahalaan. Ang DBM naman po, basta’t kailangan at kumpleto ang dokumento, agad naming pinoproseso ang release ng pondo (Our countrymen should not worry because the government has enough funds. As for the DBM, if it is necessary and the documents are complete, we immediately process the release of the funds).”

She also urged all concerned government agencies to ensure the proper and efficient use of funds.

“Kaya naman nananawagan po ang DBM sa lahat ng mga government agencies na siguraduhin na ang pondong inilalabas namin, down to the last centavo, ay makakarating sa mga nararapat na benepisyaryo sa lalong madaling panahon (That is why the DBM calls on all government agencies to ensure that the funds we are releasing, down to the last centavo, reach the deserving beneficiaries as soon as possible,” she said. (PNA)