THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) has released an additional P662.5 million to the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the victims of recent calamities, Malacañang announced on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr., in a press briefing, said the funds will be used to purchase food packs for calamity victims. DBM defines the QRF as “built-in budgetary allocations that represent pre-disaster or standby funds for agencies in order to immediately assist areas stricken by catastrophes and crises.” The DSWD has been assisting those affected by recent disasters, including typhoon Mangkhut in northern Luzon and the landslide in Naga City, Cebu. — Arjay L. Balinbin
