DBM: Budget ready for earthquake relief

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday said the government has available funds to aid communities hit by the magnitude 7 earthquake in Northern Luzon.

In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) is available to be tapped by the government.

Data from the DBM showed that as of June 30, 2022, the NDRRMF has an available balance of P14.7 billion. Minus the earmarked amounts of P1.93 billion—P1.58 billion for the Office of the President (OP) approved Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and P350 million for OP—the adjusted balance is P12.769 billion.

The NDRRMF may be used for reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, aid, relief, and other works or services, including pre-disaster activities, in response to natural calamities that occur during the current fiscal year.

Pangandaman said there is also a Quick Response Fund (QRF) that may be mobilized if necessary.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said, “I think in terms of what we are anticipating, especially after this earthquake, I think we should be able to cover.”

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all affected by the earthquake. Rest assured that we are ready to support all operations for disaster relief with the necessary budget,” Pangandaman said.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake (earlier reported as magnitude 7.3) occurred at 8:43 a.m. and was located three kilometers northwest of Tayum, Abra.

It had a depth of 17 kilometers.

The strong earthquake left at least five people dead and 64 others injured. —VBL, GMA News