Strong winds and heavy rains brought by Super Typhoon Uwan caused damage to various structures in Barangay Aplaya, Dingalan, Aurora, Nov. 10, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported a P36.22-billion balance in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) as of the end of March.

At the end of the first quarter, the DBM had only released P3.92 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program (NDRRMP).

These consist of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) replenishments of P1.98 billion in February and P1.94 billion in March.

The remaining balance comprises of P19.57 billion under the NDRRMP and P15.33 billion for the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP) for local government units.

It also consists of P1 billion under the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) from the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), along with P322.86 million in continuing PSF appropriations from the 2025 GAA.

According to DBM, the NDRRMF has been allotted P39.82 billion in the 2026 GAA. This allocation includes P23.49 billion for the NDRRMP, P15.33 billion for the DRRAP, and P1.32 billion for the PSF.

Last year, calamity funds released totaled P20.68 billion, with P322.86 million left undisbursed.

NDRRMF is meant for aid, relief and rehabilitation services to areas affected by human-induced and natural calamities, as well as the repair and reconstruction of permanent structures, including other capital expenditures for disaster operations and rehabilitation activities.

Meanwhile, the annual PSF is intended for local government units and accredited local/community organizations to implement climate change adaptation projects. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

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