Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim on Wednesday signed into law Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 65, approving the region’s P94.41-billion budget for fiscal year 2025.

The signing followed the Bangsamoro Parliament’s approval of the proposed budget on Tuesday.

“This might be the final appropriations bill that we will pass as a transition government,” Ebrahim said during the signing ceremony at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

BARMM Parliament Member Mary Ann Arnado, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) committee on finance, budget, and management, said the budget reflects the regional government’s commitment to reducing poverty, enhancing economic growth, and improving the quality of life in the region.

The Bangsamoro Parliament approved the 2025 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP) with 55 votes in favor, one against, and no abstentions. The budget underwent a comprehensive process of deliberations and scrutiny before its approval.

Arnado said the 2025 BEP prioritizes education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services, with a significant portion allocated to Sulu to ensure the continuation of ongoing projects despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the province is no longer part of BARMM.

“This decision highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring continuous and effective delivery of services to the province, regardless of political boundaries,” the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) said.

Arnado underscored the importance of maintaining BARMM’s current trajectory, saying, “Sustaining our direction is vital for realizing our governmental objectives.”

The 2025 budget is expected to reinforce BARMM’s efforts to achieve its goals as the transition government nears its conclusion. (PNA)