Proposed nat'l budget allocates P80.6B for BARMM dev't
“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)
