BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has reaffirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration will consistently uphold the development interests of the Bangsamoro community as integral to its Agenda for Prosperity which aims for an inclusive future for the country where no Filipino is left behind.
The commitment was iterated by Secretary Pangandaman during the inaugural general meeting of the Bangsamoro council of leaders on August 9, 2023 in Davao City.
“Makakaasa po kayo na hindi pababayaan ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang BARMM,” the secretary said.
The budget secretary highlighted that in the P5.768 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the proposed budget for LGUs also includes an allocation of P80.6 billion for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The BARMM budget is distributed across different programs including the BARMM Annual Block Grant, the Special Development Fund, and BARMM Shares in National Taxes. The allocation also includes the Local Government Support Fund, which has been allocated Php 16.6 billion.
Additionally, P5.3 billion has been appropriated for the Peaceful and Resilient Communities (PAMANA) Program, designated towards infrastructure development endeavors in BARMM.
“It is our hope that through this allocated budget, we will be able to continue to build on what we have accomplished,” she added.
Furthermore, Secretary Pangandaman conveyed her perspective on the meaning of the term "Bagong Pilipinas,” a question frequently directed at her as a member of the economic team.
“Ang Bagong Pilipinas po para sa akin ay bansang may respeto sa lahat ng paniniwala. Ang Bagong Pilipinas ay nagtutulungan at nagkakaunawaan sa kabila ng pagkakaiba ng relihiyon, kulay at pinagmulan. At ang Bagong Pilipinas ay mas pinatatag ng pagkakaisa,” the budget secretary underscored.
Pangandaman also expressed her sincerest gratitude to all officials and members from both the National and the Bangsamoro governments for their commendable solidarity, cooperation, and goodwill that have been instrumental to the pursuit of a smooth transition process for the BARMM.
Last July 27, the 15th Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) meeting was held in Pasay City, where important agendas were discussed, including the IGR mechanisms provided in the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Two weeks after the said meeting, the public officials convened for the last remaining IGR mechanism, which is the creation of the council of leaders. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)
