Senators want disaster fund boost
AMID the consecutive typhoons and severe tropical storms hitting the country, the Senate insisted on the need to focus on additional funding for disaster preparedness.
In the Senate’s recent session, senators highlighted the looming shortfall in the country’s disaster preparedness funding.
Lawmakers voiced urgent concerns over the dwindling National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund, especially as recent typhoons like Typhoon Kristine put additional strain on already tight resources.
With only about P200 million remaining in the NDRRM Fund, Senator Nancy Binay expressed concern about the country’s ability to handle future emergencies.
“Lumalabas na halos wala na tayong pondo—nasa 200 million na lang para sa disasters. Kailangan ng ating mga komunidad ng sapat na suporta, hindi lang sa agarang pagtugon, kundi pati sa pangmatagalang solusyon,” Binay emphasized, highlighting the need for both immediate and structural disaster resilience efforts.
The Senate discussed measures to strengthen the budget for disaster response in the coming fiscal year, underscoring that current allocations are insufficient given the frequency and severity of natural calamities.
Finance Committee chair Senator Grace Poe stressed the importance of enhancing infrastructure to mitigate future disasters: “Dapat tiyakin natin na may sapat na tulong at imprastruktura ang ating mga kababayan para maiwasan ang ganitong klase ng pinsala sa hinaharap.”
Aside from immediate disaster response, senators underscored the importance of long-term resilience measures, especially for areas that face frequent typhoon and flood damage. Senator Binay noted that, year after year, the NDRRM Fund allocation remains fixed at 31 billion pesos in the National Expenditure Program, only to be reduced to 21.5 billion by the time it reaches the General Appropriations Bill.
The discussion also raised questions about pre-disaster funding for equipment and infrastructure, such as helicopters for rescue operations. Binay suggested that future allocations could prioritize “multi-use” equipment for both disaster and national security operations. “Mas maganda na ang pagbili natin ng kagamitan ay may multi-use—pwede para sa rescue at para sa ibang operasyon ng bansa,” she added, emphasizing efficiency in resource allocation.
