The national government has allocated 8.6 billion pesos in disaster rehabilitation funds to 306 local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines, aimed at recovery efforts following typhoons, earthquakes, and the 2024–2026 Kanlaon Volcano eruption. The disbursements, distributed through the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP), are intended to restore essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public buildings, and evacuation centers, according to Malacañang.
Distribution of Disaster Recovery Funds
Seventeen of the recipient municipalities are located in Pangasinan. According to Manaoag Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Pangasinan Chapter President Jeremy Agerico Rosario, these LGUs received allocations ranging from 5 million to 20 million pesos. The final amounts were determined by the Office of Civil Defense based on damage assessments submitted by local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of these funds at Malacañan Palace on November 5, 2026. The event, held at the Palace’s Ceremonial Hall, featured the attendance of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Executive Secretary Ralph G. While the first batch of over 6 billion pesos has already been released, an additional batch of over 2.5 billion pesos has been approved for a second batch of recipients, according to Philstar.com. Localities not included in the initial distribution may be eligible for the subsequent release, Rosario noted.
Did You Know?
The Municipality of San Marcelino, Zambales, received 5 million pesos in DRRAP funds to repair infrastructure damaged by severe monsoon rains in August 2026, including a bridge and a barangay hall in Barangay Sta. Fe. Mayor Elvis Ragadio Soria personally attended the turnover to accept the assistance, which also supports local livelihoods and agriculture.
Accountability in Reconstruction Projects
President Marcos issued a strong warning against corruption during the turnover ceremony, stating that ghost projects, commissions, and substandard construction work will not be tolerated. He emphasized that the funds are intended to directly support calamity-hit residents and restore local services, rather than serve as a mechanism for profit. The President previously noted that the Philippine economy may have lost about 118.5 billion pesos each year from 2023 to 2025 to flood control corruption, as reported by Philstar.com.
17 Pangasinan LGUs get DRRAP funds for disaster rehab By Hilda Austria MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Seventeen local government units in Pangasinan affected by disasters from 2024 to 2026 have received funds under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program… pic.twitter.com/xCQpjdoPse
Expert Insight:
The DRRAP model represents a shift toward providing LGUs with greater flexibility to prioritize interventions based on their specific local circumstances. It provides direct financial assistance to LGUs to close the gaps that remain when not every rehabilitation and recovery need is addressed through national agency channels.
Political Neutrality in Aid Allocation
Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, who attended the turnover, stated that the distribution of aid was based on need rather than political affiliation. She noted that the participation of officials from various political parties was evidence that the assistance was provided without political bias. Naga City is set to receive 20 million pesos, which the local government plans to use for drainage improvements to address vulnerabilities exposed by Typhoon Kristine in October 2024, according to the Manila Standard. Robredo estimated this funding could cover four to five distinct drainage projects. During the event’s group photo, Robredo stood at the back, far from Marcos.
Office of Civil Defense Determines Fund Allocations Based on Local Reports
How are the DRRAP fund amounts determined for each municipality?
The Office of Civil Defense conducts assessments based on reports submitted by local disaster risk reduction and management offices. The final allocation, which ranges from 5 million to 20 million pesos, depends on the specific rehabilitation or reconstruction requirements identified in those reports.
What types of projects can LGUs fund with this assistance?
The funds are designated for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, and evacuation centers. The program supports the restoration of agriculture, housing, education, health services, and local livelihoods.
Are there any repercussions for the misuse of these disaster funds?
President Marcos has stated that anyone attempting to profit from the disaster rehabilitation program will face the “full force of the law.” He specifically prohibited the use of funds for ghost projects, kickbacks, or substandard rehabilitation works, declaring, “In terms of recovery, we cannot let our countrymen wait.”
How will local communities monitor the progress and quality of the infrastructure projects funded by this program?