THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported a balance of nearly P284 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) as of the end of October.
“As of Oct. 31, 2024, the NDRRMF has a total available balance of P283,900,878, net of the P1-billion allocation for parametric insurance coverage of government facilities against natural calamities,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman told BusinessWorld via Viber on Nov. 7.
Ms. Pangandaman said in a letter to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) dated Sept. 25, that it recommended the potential use of the P1-billion parametric insurance appropriation for the NDRRMF Program.
To date, an NDRRMC decision on the matter is under review.
The NDRRMF has been allotted P31 billion in the 2025 National Expenditure Program, representing a P10.5 billion increase from the P20.5 billion allocation in 2024 in the General Appropriations Act.
“The DBM is looking to tap other sources of funds to support the continued relief and rehabilitation of vulnerable areas,” Ms. Pangandaman said.
The Contingent Fund, along with available funds from the regular budgets of various departments, unprogrammed appropriations, and Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance to Local Government Units, as other sources that can be tapped to augment the replenished Quick Response Fund (QRF), she said.
The QRF is a stand-by fund applicable to preparatory activities, relief, and rehabilitation in case of disasters and calamities.
“Per our record, apart from DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) there are currently no other pending requests on hand for QRF replenishment from other first-responder departments/agencies,” Ms. Pangandaman said.
She said QRF replenishment, chargeable against the NDRRMF, may be provided to departments or agencies when their QRF balance reaches a critical level of 50%. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
