The government has the money and the mandate to act fast for Filipinos hit by Super Typhoon Nando, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman assured on Monday.
She said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already ordered immediate aid for affected families and support for frontline agencies carrying out relief operations.
“Rest assured that on the part of the DBM, may nakahanda po tayong pondo para rito,” Pangandaman stressed.
According to her, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) currently holds ₱8.633 billion for aid, relief, rehabilitation, and the repair of permanent structures in areas ravaged by calamities.
She also underscored that agencies like DPWH, DepEd, DSWD, DA, and the DND-OCD can access their Quick Response Funds (QRFs) for immediate action. Unlike the NDRRMF, QRFs can be deployed without waiting for NDRRMC recommendation or presidential approval, and can be replenished once half of the allocation is used.
“Hindi po dapat mag-alala ang ating mga kababayan. May sapat po tayong pondo at sisiguraduhin ng DBM na mabilis ang pagproseso, basta’t kumpleto at maayos ang dokumento,” Pangandaman said.
She added that all agencies must guarantee that the money reaches intended beneficiaries swiftly and without misuse.