DBM speeds up the release of P145-Million aid for Mindanao quake victims

MANILA – As instructed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, is set to release Php145 million to boost aid for residents reeling from the successive powerful earthquakes that hit Mindanao.

Through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the DBM will release Php145 million to intensify recovery efforts and provide financial assistance to families who lost their loved ones following the series of tremors in the island.

“Ipinag-utos na po ng Pangulo sa lahat ng concerned agencies na gawing round the clock ‘yung tulong at suporta para sa mga biktima ng lindol sa Mindanao. On our part po, we are speeding up the release of a total of Php145 million under the Local Government Support Fund, which our LGUs can use for disaster response and rehabilitation initiatives,” Secretary Amenah said.

“Our hearts go out to those who lost their loved ones. Napakahirap po ng sitwasyon na pinagdaraanan n’yo. Sa pamamagitan po nitong Local Government Support Fund, makakapagbigay po tayo ng tulong sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay hanggang P150,000 po sa bawat casualty ng lindol,” the Budget Secretary added.

The amount to be released under the LGSF will go to the following provinces: Davao Oriental – Php50 million Davao de Oro – Php15 million Davao del Norte – Php15 million Surigao del Sur – Php15 million Agusan del Sur – Php20 million Surigao del Norte – Php15 million Dinagao Islands – Php15 million On top of the P145 million under LGSF, over Php2.341billion has been released by the DBM earlier this month to replenish the Quick Response Funds (QRFs) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The replenishment aims to speed up aid and recovery efforts for the victims of recent calamities that hit the country. Of this amount, P1 billion has been released to the DPWH to cover the third replenishment of its built-in QRF. Meanwhile, a total of P1.341 billion was released to the DSWD on October 2 (Php625 million) and October 8 (Php716.15 million) to cover the additional replenishment of its 2025 QRF.

The DBM has earlier assured that the national government has sufficient funds to quickly respond to calamities and extend support to ensure the swift recovery of affected communities.