DBM cites funding sources for Odette-hit areas

By Mary Rose Delos Santos

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) cited funding sources for the 10 billion-peso-fund promised by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) in areas affected by Typhoon Odette.

“For the 10 billion pesos which the President mentioned, the 2 billion pesos is already available under the NDRRMF which is the long name of calamity fund,” DBM OIC Secretary Tina Rose Marie L. Canda said in Malacañang Press Briefing on Wednesday, December 22.

Canda added that the next two billion is available under the President’s contingent fund.

The remaining 6 billion pesos will be available once the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) was signed.

“We expect that the 2022 budget measure will be signed before the year ends. So it’s between—siguro after Christmas until the 29th – these are the days that are open,” Canda stated.

The DBM cited that the funds still don’t have a definite timeline for distribution since the government is still assessing the total damage made by Typhoon Odette.

The budget department stated that the frontline agencies can use their Quick Response Fund to help the typhoon victims in the meantime.

Meanwhile, Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles thanked the international community, partners, and allies for their assistance to the Typhoon Odette victims. (MRDS/PIA-IDPD)