Manila, Oct. 13 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is fast-tracking the release of PHP145 million in emergency funds to assist families affected by the series of powerful earthquakes that struck Mindanao.

"On our part po, we are speeding up the release of a total of PHP145 million under the Local Government Support Fund, which our LGUs can use for disaster response and rehabilitation initiatives," DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a news release Monday.

Part of the funding will provide up to PHP150,000 in financial assistance to the families of each reported casualty.

"Our hearts go out to those who lost their loved ones. Napakahirap po ng sitwasyon na pinagdaraanan n'yo (We know how difficult this situation is for...