Calamity fund can be used for subsidiesDBM Undersecretary Janet Abuel told the Senate committee on finance that the P23.4-billion National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund – a subset of the P39.8-billion total calamity budget for 2026 – can be mobilized to address crises stemming from international armed conflicts. MANILA, Philippines — The government can tap billions of pesos from the national calamity fund to subsidize fuel costs for sectors affected by surging oil prices, an official from the Department of Budget and Management said yesterday. DBM Undersecretary Janet Abuel told the Senate committee on finance that the P23.4-billion National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund – a subset of the P39.8-billion total calamity budget for 2026 – can be mobilized to address crises stemming from international armed conflicts. “If this disaster drags on and we may need to provide fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle drivers, to farmers, to fisherfolk, we can access (the fund) in my opinion. If it gets to $100 (per barrel) for the next few months, then would be like we’re in a calamity,” Gatchalian said.
