Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman led the 15th National Government - Bangsamoro Government, Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) Meeting together with Minister Mohagher Iqbal, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on 27 July 2023.
In her message, Sec. Pangandaman assured of the national government's continued commitment to ensure that the BARMM will be integrated into the government's agenda for prosperity.
“[The lifting of the State of National Emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao] goes to show that our government has already made significant gains in enhancing and restoring peace and order in Mindanao through successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs that promote sustainable and inclusive peace,” the secretary said.
“Indeed, the gains we have achieved leading to a smooth transition were made possible because of our strengthened and continued cooperation and mutual trust. It is our shared commitment and ambition that fuels our desire to achieve lasting progress in the Bangsamoro region,” the Budget Chief added.
The IGRB meeting aims to strengthen the harmonious working relationship between the National Government and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government, to attain lasting peace, prosperity, and inclusive and sustainable development in BARMM and the whole of Mindanao.
“Echoing the President’s message, I want to reaffirm the national government’s commitment to assist you to the best of our abilities and capabilities to ensure that BARMM will be integrated into our agenda for prosperity,” Pangandaman said.
Present during the meeting were Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo; Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos; Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez; key officials and representatives from the national government agencies; BARMM ministers; and other members of the IGRB.
