DBM: P80.6B set aside for BARMM in proposed 2024 budget

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is earmarking P80.6 billion under the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to support the region’s continuous peace and development.

In a statement, the DBM said the proposed allocation comprises of P70.5 billion for the BARMM’s Annual Block Grant, P5 billion for the region’s the Special Development Fund (SD), and another P5.1 billion for its shares in national taxes, fees, and charges pursuant to Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM.

“It is our hope that through this allocated budget, we will be able to continue to build on what we have accomplished,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“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,” said the Budget chief, adding, “Makakaasa po kayo… laging aagapay ang DBM at national government sa BARMM (Rest assured that the DBM and the national government are always supporting the BARMM).”

The Budget Department said the allocation for the region reaffirms President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s “unwavering pledge to support the enduring peace and advancement efforts in the BARMM.”

Apart from the P80.6 billion allocation, the DBM also set aside P5.3 billion for the implementation of the PAMANA or PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn Program, which 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, according to the agency.

The PAMANA Program covers a provision of P5 billion specifically assigned for the establishment and enhancement of social infrastructure facilities.

The DBM said the program comprises 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.

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

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

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

The budget includes applications for the primary registration of PRC licenses, renewals, registrations for professional examinations, requests for certifications and authentications, and administration of examinations.

The DBM added that a fund of P1 billion has been allocated towards the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Program in an ongoing commitment to the continuous rehabilitation and rebuilding of the Islamic city.

“This strategic initiative enables the Marawi Compensation Board to deliver tax-exempt compensation to all eligible claimants who have suffered property and personal possession damage as a result of the 2017 Marawi siege,” according to the Budget Department.—AOL, GMA Integrated News