BUTUAN CITY -- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s unwavering pledge to support the enduring peace and advancement efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), by proposing an earmarked financial aid of P80.6 billion for the fiscal year 2024.

“We would always say that our Agenda for Prosperity aims for a promising future for the country where no Filipino is left behind. And by all, we mean all Filipinos, including Muslim Filipinos,” Secretary Pangandaman reiterated.

The proposed budget incorporates the BARMM's Annual Block Grant of P70.5 billion; the Special Development Fund (SDF) of P5.0 billion; and the BARMM shares in national taxes, fees, and charges of P5.1 billion, pursuant to Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“It is our hope that through this allocated budget, we will be able to continue to build on what we have accomplished,” she emphasized.

“Makakaasa po kayo… laging aagapay ang DBM at national government sa BARMM,” the budget secretary added.

Infrastructure development

Meanwhile, an allocation of P5.3 billion has been set aside for the extensive implementation of the PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn) Program, aimed at infrastructure development in various conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas including BARMM. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) is expected to oversee the successful execution of this program.

The PAMANA Program covers a provision of P5 billion specifically assigned for the establishment and enhancement of social infrastructure facilities. This includes a budget of P4.21 billion for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, P569 million for the development of efficient water supply systems, P176 million for the establishment of secure evacuation centers, and P35 million for the construction of fish ports.

An additional P10 million has been allocated for the creation and maintenance of effective flood control systems.

Addressing the need for professionals

In recognition of the Bangsamoro community's yet untapped vocational prowess and potential for skill development, the national government supports the establishment of a Section Level Unit under the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Regional Office XII for the BARMM.

Moreover, an allocation of P5 million from the Fiscal Year 2024 budget will cater to the professional requirements of the BARMM community.

These include applications for the primary registration of PRC licenses, renewals, registrations for professional examinations, requests for certifications and authentications, and administration of examinations.

Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Program

In an ongoing commitment to the continuous rehabilitation and rebuilding of Marawi, a fund of PHP 1.0 billion has been allocated towards the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Program.

This strategic initiative enables the Marawi Compensation Board to deliver tax-exempt compensation to all eligible claimants who  suffered property and personal possession damage as a result of the 2017 Marawi Siege. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)