The passage of the 2025 national budget would bolster the calamity fund and ensure fast and effective relief for communities affected by successive typhoons that slammed the Philippines, Senator Grace Poe.
The Senate finance committee’s proposed P6.352 trillion budget for 2025 includes P21 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, which is P500 million higher than this year’s appropriation.
“The increase is for our people’s urgent and essential needs during calamities,” said Poe, chair of the panel.
“If communities have the resources, they can make timely responses that can save lives,” she added.
Poe also stressed the calamity fund should not only cover immediate relief but should also address long-term recovery, including repairs and rehabilitation for affected areas.
She highlighted the importance of pre-disaster operations, such as early evacuations, to reduce the impact of calamities.
“Itong budget na nilalaan natin ay hindi lang sana para maabutan ang mga biktima ng bagyo o iba pang kalamidad ng pagkain sa ilang araw,” the senator said.
“Pantulong din ito sa pagbangon at muling pagsisimula ng ating mga kababayang nasalanta.”
Poe also expressed her support for increasing the quick response fund of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which plays a key role in disaster response.
“Matindi itong hagupit sa ilan nating kababayan ng sunod sunod na bagyo. Inaayos nating mabuti ang budget para masiguro na sa panahon ng pangangailangan, mayroon tayong pinaghuhugutan ng tulong,” she said.IMT
