The Senate is planning to create a “Build Back Better Fund” to assist in rebuilding homes destroyed by recent earthquakes, according to Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Win Gatchalian on Sunday, October 12.
“Sa susunod na taon naman, nag-iisip kami na mag-carve out ng pondo na tinatawag na ‘Build Back Better Fund’ para makatulong doon sa mga tinamaan ng lindol tulad ng Bogo City,” Gatchalian said in a radio interview.
He added that the proposed fund would be drawn from the existing Local Support Fund, rather than being introduced as a new item in the 2026 national budget.
“Mayroong fund na tinatawag na ‘Local Support Fund’ at gusto namin mag-carve out doon ng amount para makatulong sa pagpapatayo ng bahay nila,” he explained.
“Maglalagay lang kami ng bagong criteria at karagdagang possibilities or puwedeng gamitin yung pondo,” the senator clarified.
Gatchalian also mentioned that there is a possibility of sourcing part of the fund from flood control project allocations, though existing disaster response funds may already be sufficient.
“Posible rin ‘yan (from the flood control projects allocations) pero nakita ko naman na mayroon namang pondong nakatabi para sa ganitong pagreresponde. Ito nga yung local government support fund. Mayroon ding NDRRMC fund at saka may contingency fund pa,” he said.
According to the senator, around ₱182 billion remains available under various disaster response agencies, which can be used for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
“Sa tingin ko sapat na ito until the end of the year. Hindi pa naman sila humihingi ng supplemental budget dahil dito,” he emphasized.
The Senate also plans to allocate funds for the repair and reconstruction of classrooms damaged by the earthquakes, including around 300 classrooms in Cebu and at least 540 schools in Davao Oriental.