The Department of Budget and Management has approved the release of a notice of cash allotment amounting to P5 billion for the rebuilding, rehabilitation and development of conflict-affected communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The allocation, covering the Special Development Fund under the national government’s provisions to Republic Act 11054 or Organic Law for BARMM, will be released annually for 10 years from the ratification of the Organic Law for BARMM, or a grand total of P50 billion.
“Through this fund, we are hoping to see continuous progress in BARMM,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
The release of the fund under fiscal year 2023 was approved following BARMM chief minister Ahod Ebrahim’s submission of the cash program containing the cash requirements and schedule for the programs/projects/activities to be funded under the Special Development Fund in the 2023 General Appropriations Act.
Pangandaman earlier reaffirmed the government’s support for the peace and advancement efforts in BARMM by proposing a financial aid of P80.6 billion for fiscal year 2024.
The proposed budget incorporates BARMM’s Annual Block Grant of P70.5 billion, Special Development Fund of P5 billion, and the BARMM’s shares in national taxes, fees and charges of P5.1 billion.
“The Agenda for Prosperity of the government aims for a promising future for the country where no Filipino is left behind. And by all, we mean all Filipinos, including Muslim Filipinos,” the budget chief said.
