TACLOBAN CITY– House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan assured the public on Sunday, July 28, that sufficient government funds are available for disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by Super Typhoon “Carina” and the ongoing monsoon.
The 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) allocated a P20.5 billion calamity fund for cash aid, shelter assistance, and the repair of damaged public infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads, the 4Ps party-list solon who hails from Eastern Samar said in a statement.
“The rebuilding efforts will also generate jobs,” he said.
Aside from the calamity fund, various government agencies have their Quick Response Funds (QRFs).
He cited the Department of Education with P3 billion; Department of Social Welfare and Development with P1.75 billion; Department of Public Works and Highways, P1 billion; Department of Agriculture, P1 billion; Department of Health, P500 million; Department of National Defense, P500 million; Department of Transportation-Philippine Coast Guard, P75 million; and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (PNP & BFP) with P50 million each
The calamity fund will replenish these QRFs as needed, Libanan said.
(JOEY A.GABIETA/LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
