DBM: P5B fund for rehab, dev’t of conflict-hit areas in BARMM released

By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu - 1 year ago

MANILA, Philippines — A P5 billion fund allocated to the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been released, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In a statement on Monday, DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of a Notice of Cash Allotment (NCA) on the said program, which is part of the Special Development Fund in accordance with Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Under the said law, the Special Development Fund would be released annually for 10 years, which means the total amount will be P50 billion.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pondong ito, umaasa po tayo na magtutuluy-tuloy ang pag-unlad ng BARMM. Hinding-hindi po bibitawan ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., ang pag-agapay sa BARMM, Lalo na sa transition process nito,” Pangandaman said.

(Through this fund, we hope that the development of BARMM will continue. The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will never stop assisting BARMM, especially in its transition process.)

“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,” she added.

DBM noted that the funds were released after BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim submitted the Cash Program containing the cash requirements and schedule for the programs/projects/activities (PPAs).

Article XIV of R.A. No. 11054 states that the Bangsamoro Government and the national government “shall intensify development efforts for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region as part of the normalization process.”

Section 2 of the same article prescribes how much the BARMM should receive from the national government and the rate of the fund distribution.

DBM said Pangandaman supports the advancement efforts in BARMM, by ensuring that the area gets sufficient funding even in the 2024 proposed national budget — which already includes the Special Development Fund.