MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has approved the infusion of P1.75 billion into the almost depleted 2010 Calamity Fund as recommended by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Butch Abad.

While the sum will not completely replenish the fund, Abad said it should be enough to cover disaster preparedness as well as rehabilitation programs in the event of any calamity.

"Ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Aquino na hanapan ng paraan na mapunuan ang halos naubos nang budget para sa mga kalamidad. Nagbigay ang DBM ng rekomendsasyon na pagkunan ang ilang items sa budget na hindi na nagamit sa unang bahagi ng taon at maari nang maging savings. Agad naman niya itong tinugunan at inaprubahan," Abad said.

The 1.75 billion will be taken from the P3.5 billion allotted for unfilled positions in various government agencies that the DBM recommended to be declared as savings.

DBM earlier reported that only P592 million of the P2 billion Calamity Fund for 2010 remains as the Arroyo administration already released P1.4 billion early this year.

Abad scored the previous administration's lack of foresight in spending 70% of the fund without considering the need for resources come the rainy season in the second semester.

"Nakapagtataka lang kung bakit halos naubos na ng dating administrasyon ang pondo para sa mga kalamidad sa mga unang buwan ng 2010, ganung batay sa karanasan nila sa mga nakaraang taon, ang panahon ng pagpasok ng tag-ulan at mga bagyo ay nasa bandang gitna hanggang sa mga huling buwan ng taon," he said.