President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked Congress for additional emergency funds to strengthen the government's Quick Response Fund (QRF) after a series of disasters hit the country.
After visiting Masbate, which was devastated by Typhoon Opong, and going to Cebu, which was hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake, the President said that the agencies' funds are running out. Therefore, he directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to immediately release funds so that aid can continue to be provided to the affected areas.
Marcos also announced assistance from the Office of the President: ₱50 million for the province of Cebu, ₱20 million each for Bogo City, Sogod, and San Remigio, and ₱10 million each for the towns of Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Santa Fe, Tabogon, and Tabuela. In addition, there is ₱20 million each for DOH hospitals and ₱5 million each for provincial hospitals.
In addition, the DBM will release ₱150 million for Cebu province and ₱75 million each for Bogo City, San Remigio, and Medellin as part of the Local Government Support Fund.
For now, the government is focused on quickly providing financial and medical assistance to help those affected by the earthquake and typhoon.
