MANILA, Philippines – HANDA ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng Department of Finance (DOF), na gamitin ang $500-million na halaga ng standby credit line na pinalawig ng World Bank para suportahan ang ‘disaster relief at rehabilitation efforts’ ng bansa sa gitna ng pananalasa bunsod ng Super Typhoon Carina at southwest monsoon o Habagat.
Sa isang kalatas, sinabi ni Finance Secretary Ralph Recto na ang $500-million credit “will be immediately withdrawn and released once the President declares a state of calamity.”
“This will allow us to rapidly deliver critical services like healthcare, shelter, and food to those affected by typhoon Carina as well as fund post-disaster emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction efforts,” ayon kay Recto.
“The World Bank’s Philippines Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Development Policy Loan (DPL) with a Catastrophe-Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT-DDO5) provides the Philippine government with immediate access to funds in order to manage risks arising from climate change, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks,” ang sinabi ng DOF.
Sinasabi na ang presidential declaration ng state of calamity o public health emergency ay kailangan para mapilitan an maipalabas ang pondo sa ilalim ng standby credit facility.
Sa ngayon, sinabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na ang desisyon na magdeklara ng state of calamity sa national Capital Region ay nakasalalay sa local chief executives dahil sa “they know best what they need.”
Ilang sandal lamang ito matapos na ideklara ng Metro Manila Council (MMC) ang state of calamity sa National Capital Region sa gitna ng malawakang pagbaha dahil sa Habagat at Super Typhoon Carina.
“The CAT-DDO5, meanwhile, forms part of the Philippines’ Disaster Risk Financing Insurance (DRFI) strategy, which aims to maintain sound fiscal health at the national level, develop sustainable financing mechanisms for local government units (LGUs), and reduce the impact on the poorest and most vulnerable,” ayon sa DOF. Kris Jose
