As of September 30, 2021, a total of P690.26 billion has been released by the Department of Budget and Management to continuously support the COVID-19 response programs of various implementing agencies. Of this amount, the government obligated a total of P637.97 Billion (92.4 percent) and disbursed P570.04 billion (89.4 percent), as reported in the agencies’ respective Financial Accountability Reports (FARs).
Additional releases during the third quarter of 2021 were charged from the FY 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) following the expiration of the validity of funds under the Bayanihan 1 and 2 laws. These include the payment for the COVID-19 special risk allowance of public and private health workers, purchase of COVID-19 vaccine ancillaries, procurement of RT-PCR testing kits and renewal of contracts for hiring of healthcare professionals, among others.
Status of COVID-19 Releases
Under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2, agencies have obligated P204.07 billion (95.3 percent) out of the P214.12 billion allotment released. This leaves a balance of P10.05 billion, of which only P4.56 billion can still be utilized by implementing agencies until December 31, 2021. The rest was reverted to the General Fund, following the expiration of the Special Appropriations and FY 2019 Continuing Appropriations last June 30, 2021.
Meanwhile, under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or Bayanihan 1, agencies have obligated a total of P369.08 billion from the P387.93 billion allotment released to them. Funds amounting to P10.10 billion, which were charged against the FY 2020 GAA, are still valid for disbursement until the end of this year.
Other releases outside the Bayanihan laws have also reached P88.21 Billion, a large chunk of which was charged from the FY 2021 GAA amounting to P81.75 billion. Agencies have until December 31, 2021 to obligate and disburse the remaining P23.38 billion and P42.84 billion, respectively.
The DBM commits to continuously support all implementing agencies as they respond to the pandemic to ensure that all Filipinos are given the assistance and services they need, especially during these challenging times.
For more information on the budget utilization status of COVID-19 release, the summary tables can be accessed on the DBM website: https://www.dbm.gov.ph/index.php/programs-projects/status-of-covid-19-releases#summary-report
