It is a fund that aims to strengthen the role of the local government units (LGUs) to respond to rehabilitation and reconstruction needs within their localities.
Last Thursday, November 5, President Bongbong Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of funds under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP) at Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace.
PHP8.6 billion has been earmarked for 306 LGUs heavily affected by typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions from 2024 to 2026, and covers damaged roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, evacuation centers, farms, and housing.
Of the approved assistance, PHP6 billion has already been released, while the remaining PHP2.5 billion is being processed.
The funds allow local officials to identify and prioritize rehabilitation projects based on the actual needs of their communities.
“LGUs know their people’s struggles and what it takes to help them rebuild. And for this, we spare no expense,” President Marcos said.
He also assured that the national government would provide the resources needed to help LGUs restore essential services and livelihoods.
“Just as we pour funds into local communities for development projects through Local Government Support Fund and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund, we are partnering with you to ensure faster recovery and rebuilding whenever disaster might strike,” Marcos said.
He stressed that communities must learn from past disasters and improve their preparedness for future calamities.
Thus, he urged these local units to strengthen their ability to document and report disaster damage to the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to allow the national government properly assess local needs and deliver assistance to affected communities.
ROBREDO, MAGALONG’S APPEARANCE
Meanwhile, a highlight of the said event was the presence of Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo.
During a Palace press briefing on Friday, November 6, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro noted her reaction to the statement of the President that disasters should not be profited over.
“Na-interview po natin personal si Mayor Leni Robredo, at naitanong nga po natin iyan dahil maliwanag ang mensahe ng Pangulo na itong pondo ay hindi para sa pagpapayaman ng ninuman kung hindi para sa mga kababayan natin na nakakaranas ng hirap na dulot ng kalamidad,” she said.
“At iyan po ang ikinasiya ni Mayor Leni Robredo dahil—lalo na ang Naga, lalo na iyong Bicol Region, iyan ay nakakaranas kadalasan ng kalamidad, alam po natin iyan. At ayon sa kaniya, mayroon nga raw pondo na kulang sa 2027 budget para sa kanilang Oplan Kontra Baha, at napakalaking tulong nga raw po ito na ibinigay ng national government sa Naga City dahil lalo nilang mapapaayos ang kanilang mga drainage lalo na’t iyon ang nagiging dahilan ng pagbaha sa kanila.”
Castro also had an interaction with Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, who previously served in the capacity of consultant in the ad hoc Independent Commission for Infrastructure that was set up at the height of the flood control scandal.
“Kay Mayor Benjie Magalong nagkataon po na nandoon siya noong nakausap po natin si Mayor Leni Robredo kaya lumapit po ako sa kaniya at nakipagkamay at mayroon pang big hug—may power hug kay Mayor Benjie Magalong,” she said.
