DBM: PHP6B of promised PHP10B aid for Odette victims to be released by yearend

The Philippine government will release PHP6 billion before the end of 2021 for victims of Typhoon Odette, as committed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

PHP2 billion has already been released from contingency funds, with another PHP4 billion to be distributed to local governments within the week.

If the PHP5.034-trillion 2022 national budget is signed before year-end, an additional PHP4 billion will be available for release on January 3, 2022; otherwise, it will be released shortly after.

The funds are aimed at aiding communities in Regions IV-B (Mimaropa), VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas), VIII (Eastern Visayas), X (Northern Mindanao), and XIII (Caraga).