The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) regional government has proposed a PHP98.4 billion budget for 2024 with education, infrastructure, and health as among the programs getting the lion’s share.
On Tuesday afternoon, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim officially submitted the 2024 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP) to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the region’s lawmaking body, and was officially received by BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindong.
“After centuries of struggle for self-determination, the Bangsamoro is now recognized as an autonomous entity cultivating the seeds of Jihad that were once planted into our hearts,” Ebrahim told regional parliament members during the ceremonial turnover of the BEP.
The proposed 2024 budget includes PHP70.5 billion from the Annual Block Grant as provided in the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP); PHP5 billion from shares in national taxes collected within the BARMM as provided in the NEP; PHP5 billion for the Special Development Fund; P471 million from projected regional taxes; and P17.3 billion from declared savings from prior years.
Lawyer Ubaida Pacasem, BARMM Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management (MFBM) head, said the funds will be used to support various programs, projects, and activities designed to uplift the lives of BARMM constituents.
Among the BARMM offices, the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) has the highest proposed budget of PHP30.2 billion.
MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said the allocation reflects the region’s commitment to enhancing quality education in BARMM for “inclusive growth, sustainable development, and innovation.”
Aside from salaries and wages and other operating expenses, MBHTE will fund various education programs, scholarships, and the development of schools and learning centers, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all.
Of its PHP30 billion proposed budget, MBHTE will use PHP754 million for the construction of schools, classrooms, and libraries, as well as the provision of furniture and fixtures for teachers.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) would receive the second biggest allocation at PHP17.6 billion. Most of the funds will be spent to develop BARMM’s physical infrastructure to strengthen economic growth, connectivity, and a better quality of life for the region’s constituents.
Third on the list is the Ministry of Health with a proposed budget of PHP6.6 billion, which will be used to strengthen healthcare services, improve medical facilities, and enhance public health programs.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) has proposed a PHP3.7 billion financial plan to reduce poverty and promote social cohesion, providing financial assistance to those in need.
Budget proposals of other offices are the following: Office of the Chief Minister at PHP3.5 billion; BTA (PHP3.1 billion); Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (PHP2.3 billion); Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (PHP1.9 billion); Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (PHP1.1 billion); and Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (PHP834 million).
The BTA will start deliberations on the proposed budget in November this year. (PNA)
