The Senate is looking to establish a “Build Back Better Fund” to help families rebuild homes damaged by recent earthquakes, Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian said on Sunday.
“Sa susunod na taon naman, nag-iisip kami na mag-carve out ng pondo na tinatawag na ‘Build Back Better Fund’ para makatulong doon sa mga tinamaan ng lindol tulad ng Bogo City,” Gatchalian told Super Radyo dzBB.
According to him, the fund will not be a new budget item in the proposed 2026 national budget but will instead be sourced from the existing Local Government Support Fund. “Merong fund na tinatawag na ‘Local Support Fund’ at gusto namin mag-carve out doon ng amount para makatulong sa pagpapatayo ng bahay nila,” he said.
Gatchalian added that the plan involves setting new criteria that would allow the fund to be used for house reconstruction and rehabilitation. He noted that portions from other allocations—such as those for flood control projects—could also be tapped if needed.
He emphasized that sufficient funds are already available for disaster response, citing around ₱182 billion still left with concerned government agencies. “Sa tingin ko sapat na ito until the end of the year. Hindi pa naman sila humihingi ng supplemental budget dahil dito,” he said.
The Senate also plans to set aside funding for the repair of earthquake-damaged classrooms, including 300 in Cebu and at least 540 in Davao Oriental.
