The government is being urged to mobilize around P180.482 billion in available disaster and emergency funds under the 2026 national budget to support relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts in areas hit by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao.
Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said the funds could provide immediate assistance to affected communities and help local governments repair damaged infrastructure, public facilities, and essential services.
The appeal was made as Gatchalian joined Senators Erwin Tulfo, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito in visiting Sarangani Province and General Santos City to distribute aid to quake victims.
According to Gatchalian’s office, the senators visited affected communities and evacuation centers in Malapatan, Sarangani, before turning over relief goods to local officials at the Sarangani Provincial Capitol.
The group later proceeded to General Santos City, where they inspected affected areas and distributed relief items at the city’s Social Development Center.
Among the available allocations cited were P17.89 billion under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, which serves as the government’s main funding source for disaster response, relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery.
Also available are P32.307 billion under the Local Government Support Fund, P15.897 billion under the Contingent Fund, and P8.163 billion under the Quick Response Fund of various line agencies.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also has P46.778 billion under its Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances program, which may be used to assist families affected by the quake.
The Department of Education, meanwhile, has P4.08 billion under its Disaster Preparedness and Response Program, aside from a P67-billion allocation this year for classroom construction, which may help address damaged school facilities in quake-hit areas.
Other available rehabilitation-related funds include P1.657 billion from the DSWD Office of the Secretary, P230.515 million from the Department of Agriculture Office of the Secretary, and another P46.882 million from the DSWD Office of the Secretary.
The available funds, Gatchalian said, should be released quickly to help affected residents recover and restore essential public services in quake-hit communities.