DSWD asks DBM for P662-M Quick Response Fund replenishment

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for an additional P662 million to replenish its Quick Response Fund (QRF) to better respond to disasters and calamities.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Saturday, DSWD spokesperson Director Irene Dumlao said the agency’s QRF has been exhausted already during the COVID-19 crisis.

The QRF is a stand-by fund used to cover relief and rehabilitation in case of disasters and calamities, according to the DBM.

Dumlao said the DSWD has a measly P199 million which can be used as QRF —for the purchase of family food packs, relief supplies, among others.

“Humihingi tayo ng karagdagan sa DBM para ma-replenish. Hiningi natin ay P662 million,” she said.

The DSWD official said the DBM has assured the department of the QRF replenishment.

Dumlao noted that the QRF is separate from the funds for the Social Amelioration Program. She said around P100 billion has been downloaded already to the DSWD for the second tranche of the said program.

The DSWD spokesperson also said the DSWD is awaiting a written directive from the Office of the President for the distribution of the second tranche of the cash aid program. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News