DBM to release P1 million to DPWH for infrastructure repairs

MANILA, Philippines —  A P1-billion fund for rehabilitating infrastructure projects damaged by recent tropical cyclones has been approved for release by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The fund will be released to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The DPWH was one of the frontline agencies that used up its funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of cyclones that hit the Philippines, according to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“That is why when the DPWH requested for additional budget, we immediately acted on it and found ways to provide it,” she said yesterday.

“As directed by President Marcos, we shall continue to ensure that we provide needed support to crucial initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of natural calamities,” she added.

Pangandaman on Wednesday approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order, which shall be valid for obligation until Dec. 31, 2025.

The government has allocated P22.736 billion this year for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, she noted.

To date, at least P22.479 billion has been released to various state agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations.

Of the amount, about P13.888 billion was for the augmentation of agencies’ quick response fund, the DBM said.

Meanwhile, around 12 million low-income Filipinos would benefit from the proposed P39.8-billion budget for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin said yesterday.

The Senate earlier deleted the allocation for the cash aid program in the proposed 2025 budget inserted by the House of Representatives.

Garin said returning the AKAP allocation should be considered by the bicameral conference committee.

The program, she said, serves as a safety net for near-poor people not covered by the conditional cash transfer Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

“This program bridges the gap for those who are ineligible for regular assistance yet are vulnerable due to low wages and the high cost of food and other essential items,” Garin said.

“It seems that the senators are not aware of the true state of the Filipino people, especially those who