Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the standby funds are with the implementing agencies tasked to provide speedy assistance in areas hit by disasters.
“Quick response funds are standby allocations that are part of the budget of the departments … for them to provide quick assistance in areas struck by disaster,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.
She said a breakdown of the amount includes:
– Office of Civil Defense, P554 million
– Department of National Defense Office of the Secretary, P326 million
– Department of Agriculture, P196 million
– Department of Social Welfare and Development, P200 million
– Department of Public Works and Highways, P600 million
Valte also reassured residents in Bohol, the area hit hardest by the Oct. 15 quake, that the government continues to mobilize funds to help them.
“Meron tayong sapat na pondo (We have enough funds),” she said.
Also, she thanked the international community for the aid they have sent to the quake victims.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating kaibigan na hindi nag-atubiling tumugon sa panawagan ng United Nations para tumulong sa kababayan natin (We thank our friends who did not hesitate to respond to the call of the United Nations to help our fellow Filipinos),” Valte said. — LBG, GMA News
