The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday approved the release of a Notice Cash Allotment (NCA) worth 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 (RA) 11054 or Organic Law for BARMM—will be released annually for 10 years, from the ratification of the Organic Law for BARMM, or a total of P50 billion.
“Through this fund, we hope that the development of BARMM will continue. The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will never let go of supporting BARMM, especially in its transition process,” DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
The release of the fund under FY 2023 was approved following BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim’s submission of the Cash Program containing the cash requirements and schedule for the programs/projects/activities (PPAs) to be funded under the Special Development Fund in the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act, RA No. 11936.
Pangandaman earlier reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support of the peace and advancement efforts in the BARMM by proposing a financial aid of P80.6 billion for FY 2024.
The proposed budget incorporates the BARMM’s Annual Block Grant of P70.5 billion; the Special Development Fund (SDF) of P5 billion; and the BARMM’s shares in national taxes, fees, and charges of P5.1 billion, pursuant to RA 11054.
“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,” Pangandaman added.