P14.5-B disaster fund increase approved for Marawi rehab —DBM chief

The Office of the President has approved a P14.5-billion increase in the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund (NDRRMF) for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday.

The money will be sourced from the savings of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) amounting to P10.3 billion in 2016 and P4.2 billion for in 2017.

"Last October 30, 2017, the Office of the President approved the P14.5-billion augmentation of the fiscal year 2017 NDRRMF, geared towards providing sufficient funding for the rehabilitation of Marawi City," Diokno said in a breakfast forum with reporters in Pasig City.

"Agencies are now expected to submit their respective budget execution documents to support the release of such funds, especially for the budgetary requirements for pre-post conflict needs assessment inclusive of housing, health and social welfare, business and livelihood, peace and order, and information management and strategic communications support," Diokno said.

For the evacuation and relief of internally-displaced families and individuals, around P495 million was spent, the Budget chief noted. The money was sourced from the Quick Response Fund of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health, and Department of National Defense.

"This week, we also released a total of P3 billion to DSWD to cover the funding for continuing relief and cash-for-work program, enlisting residents in reconstruction community works and project management operational support," Diokno said.

"Around P195 million has also been released to DPWH to cover funding for quick response, transitional shelters, and various evacuation centers in Marawi City," he added. — VDS, GMA News