By Francis Allan L. Angelo 

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has ordered the release of P481 million for the repair and rehabilitation of infrastructures in Panay that were damaged at the height typhoon Frank.

The funds were released through Special Allotment Release Order No. A-09-03564 issued last May 29, 2009.

The money will be taken from the calamity fund of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regular budget this year.

The national government set aside the fund upon request of Rep. Arthur Defensor Sr. (3rd district, Iloilo) and Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias.

The two officials asked President Gloria Arroyo to allocate money for the partial rehabilitation of Panay while Congress has yet to pass the accompanying revenue source of the P8-billion Paglaum Fund.

Banias said the funds will be used to repair nine bridges, national roads and dredging of Iloilo and Aklan Rivers.

“But this money is not enough, it’s not even 20% of the total amount needed to repair and rehabilitate all damaged structures in Panay,” Banias said.

The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) earlier passed a resolution asking Congress to approve the revenue measure that will become the source of the Paglaum Fund.