News Details

DBM Releases ?1.625 Billion to Replenish Disaster Response Funds of DSWD, DPWH

NPO

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July 25, 2025

MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of ₱1.625 billion to replenish the Quick Response Funds (QRFs) of two key government agencies—the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)—to boost their disaster response efforts.

According to a DBM statement on Friday, ₱1 billion of the released funds will be allocated to the DPWH, while ₱625 million will go to the DSWD.
The DSWD’s share will be used to procure family food packs and non-food relief items to strengthen stockpiles in preparation for natural calamities. The agency estimates that these funds will allow them to assist over 510,000 families affected by disasters.

The ₱1 billion for the DPWH represents the second replenishment of its built-in QRF, enabling the agency to respond more swiftly to infrastructure rehabilitation needs following disasters.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the safety and welfare of Filipinos during emergencies.

“The DSWD and DPWH are among the agencies with built-in QRFs to ensure they can respond immediately in times of calamity. Now that they’ve requested replenishment, we’ve released a total of ₱1.625 billion,” Pangandaman said.

She emphasized the DBM’s commitment to swift action:
“We understand how critical it is for these agencies to have sufficient funds to support those in need. As long as all required documents are submitted, we act without delay.”

The DBM clarified that the released funds may be used for relief distribution, infrastructure rehabilitation, pre-positioning of goods and equipment, and other recovery programs in communities affected by disasters—whether from the final quarter of the previous year or the current one.

The Quick Response Fund serves as a standby budget for agencies to deliver immediate aid and implement recovery efforts in the wake of natural calamities, public health emergencies, or other major disruptions. Agencies can request replenishment once their QRF balance falls below 50 percent.

NPO News Team!

PNA-PR