Marcos directs DBM to ensure QRF availability for Typhoon Marce

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the DBM to ensure the availability of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) as Typhoon Marce threatens areas affected by previous storms.

During a ceremonial distribution in Camarines Sur, Marcos extended PHP50 million worth of cash assistance to 5,000 farmers and fisherfolk from 15 identified municipalities.

Last week, Marcos released PHP130 million to local government units in the Bicol Region following the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

On Wednesday, President Marcos announced that the QRF has been depleted due to recent tropical cyclones but Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman assured there are standby funds available for disaster relief operations.

The Office of Civil Defense administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno expressed confidence in Friday's Palace press briefing that funds intended for relief operations would still be sufficient, as the President has committed to replenishing depleted QRF and calamity funds.

Under the General Appropriations Act of 2024, the national government has funds available under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) and the Quick Response Fund (QRF) to provide various disaster relief operations.