MORE than P180 billion in government funds under the 2026 national budget may be mobilized for emergency response, relief operations and rehabilitation efforts in earthquake-devastated areas in Mindanao, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian stressed the importance of immediately releasing available government resources to assist affected communities and accelerate recovery efforts.
“What is important is that we use these funds immediately because many of our countrymen are affected and need immediate assistance from the government,” Gatchalian said.
He said the P180.482 billion could be drawn from various government agencies and programs, including the remaining P17.898 billion under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund; P32.307 billion under the Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units; P15.897 billion under the Contingent Fund; and P8.163 billion from the Quick Response Fund of various national government agencies.
Gatchalian also cited the availability of P46.778 billion under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances program.
He highlighted the significant impact of the disaster on the education sector, noting that many school buildings in Mindanao sustained damage from the tremor.
The P4.08 billion allocated under the Department of Education’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Program could be tapped, as well as the agency’s P67-billion budget for classroom construction and school infrastructure development this year, he said.
