The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) is a mandatory appropriation created by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, also known as RA 10121. This law restructured the country’s disaster management framework from a reactive, relief-centered approach to a proactive, risk-reduction model. The LDRRMF is the financial backbone of that shift at the local government level.
Under RA 10121, every local government unit (LGU)—province, city, municipality, and barangay—must set aside
not less than 5% of its estimated revenue from regular sources as the LDRRMF. This is not an optional allocation; it is a statutory requirement. The fund is intended to support disaster risk reduction activities such as pre-disaster preparedness programs, training, purchase of life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, post-disaster activities, and payment of premiums on calamity insurance.
Within that LDRRMF,
30% is allocated as a Quick Response Fund (QRF), also called a standby fund. The QRF is specifically reserved for relief and recovery programs so that the LGU can begin aid operations immediately after a disaster without waiting for a supplemental budget or external funding. This is especially relevant in the scenario: an earthquake has already occurred, families are in an evacuation center, and the public health nurse is part of the team that must respond quickly. The QRF is the portion of the LDRRMF that can be tapped right away for emergency relief.
The remaining 70% of the LDRRMF is used for disaster risk reduction and preparedness activities that are planned and implemented before a disaster occurs. This includes training, public awareness campaigns, hazard mapping, and the purchase of equipment and supplies.
A common point of confusion is the direction of the percentages. The
5% is taken from the LGU’s estimated regular revenue, while the
30% is taken from the LDRRMF itself, not from the total revenue.
The Quick Response Fund is 30% of the 5% LDRRMF, not 30% of the LGU’s entire revenue. This distinction is important in both examination and actual budget planning.
The table below summarizes the allocation structure.
| Component | Percentage | Base Amount | Purpose |
|---|
| Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) | 5% | Estimated revenue from regular sources | Disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery |
| Quick Response Fund (QRF) | 30% | LDRRMF (the 5% allocation) | Standby fund for immediate relief and recovery after a disaster |
| Remaining LDRRMF | 70% | LDRRMF (the 5% allocation) | Pre-disaster preparedness and risk reduction programs |
In the context of the evacuation center scenario, the public health nurse should understand that the LGU’s ability to provide immediate food, water, medicines, and other relief supplies comes primarily from the QRF.
The QRF allows the LGU to release funds without delay when a state of calamity is declared or when urgent relief is needed. The nurse’s role in the health team includes documenting needs, coordinating with the local disaster risk reduction and management office, and ensuring that health-related requests are aligned with the allowable uses of the LDRRMF and QRF.
Key point! The LDRRMF is 5% of estimated regular revenue, and the QRF is 30% of that LDRRMF.
Watch out! Do not reverse the percentages. The 30% is not applied to the total revenue; it is applied only to the 5% disaster fund.