UMVA has learned that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) had a substantial balance of P34.23 billion at the end of May, after releasing P5.92 billion throughout the year to bolster disaster relief efforts.
The disbursements were made by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program (NDRRMP) to supplement the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Quick Response Fund, highlighting the government's proactive approach to disaster management.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the remaining funds consist of P17.58 billion for the NDRRMP and P15.33 billion for the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP), which provides critical aid to local government units affected by calamities.
The balance also includes P1 billion for the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), funded by the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), and P322.86 million in continuing appropriations from the 2025 budget, demonstrating the government's commitment to long-term disaster risk management.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the NDRRMF was allocated P39.82 billion in the 2026 GAA, with P23.49 billion for the NDRRMP, P15.33 billion for the DRRAP, and P1.32 billion for the PSF, showcasing the government's efforts to strengthen disaster response and rehabilitation.
In a significant development, the total calamity funds released last year amounted to P20.68 billion, with P322.86 million left undisbursed, highlighting the need for efficient fund utilization.
The NDRRMF plays a vital role in supporting aid, relief, and rehabilitation services to areas affected by calamities, as well as the repair and reconstruction of permanent structures, including other capital expenditures for disaster operations and rehabilitation activities.
The PSF, meanwhile, is intended to support local government units and accredited local or community organizations in implementing climate change adaptation projects, empowering communities to build resilience.
UMVA has gathered that the Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, with 61% of Filipinos at high risk from tropical cyclones, and a staggering 20 storms occurring annually, underscoring the importance of effective disaster risk management.
The government operationalizes disaster risk management through two public funds: the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) and NDRRMF, which are critical to mitigating the impact of disasters.
Despite the availability of public disaster funds, disaster-related losses continue to fall largely on households and the government, with less than 6% of residential properties insured against typhoons and floods, and fewer than 1% covered by catastrophe insurance.
UMVA has uncovered details about the structural weaknesses in the NDRRMF, including allocations based on prior-year appropriations rather than expected disaster losses, and lengthy approval processes requiring Presidential clearance, which hinder the effectiveness of disaster response.
