In a statement, the DBM said Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the Special Allotment Release Order amounting to P5 billion for the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) in accordance with Section 2, Article XIV of Republic Act 11054.
The law mandates the National Government to provide the SDF with P5 billion each year for a period of 10 years, to the Barmm Government “for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities.”
The funds will be released by the Bureau of Treasury to the Barmm.
“Tulad po ng ipinangako ko, at alinsunod po sa tagubilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, patuloy po ang DBM na aalalay sa Barmm sa abot ng aming makakaya. (As I promised, and in accordance with the instructions of President Bongbong Marcos, DBM will continue to support Barmm as much as we can.) We will ensure that we will help in its smooth transition process and strengthening its communities,” Pangandaman said.
“Umaasa po kami na magagamit ng wasto ang pondong ito para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga komunidad sa Barmm. We hope that Barmm takes advantage of this funding by fully utilizing it to help those in need, and to improve areas that needs further development,” he added.
(We hope that this fund will be used properly to meet the needs of the communities in Barmm. We hope that Barmm takes advantage of this funding by fully utilizing it to help those in need, and to improve areas that need further development.)
The National Government earlier said the five-month siege in Marawi City in 2017, the most recent conflict in the region, resulted in P17 billion worth of damage and lost opportunities.
In 2018, Task Force Bangon Marawi said in an initial estimate that at least P49.8 billion is needed to restore the affected parts of Marawi.
The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has allotted P64.76 billion for Barmm’s Annual Block Grant; P5 billion as SDF for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities; and P4.59 billion for its share in taxes, fees, and charges collected in the region. (SunStar Philippines)