BARMM’s 2024 proposed budget: A guide to regional development

 

COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro region is embarking on a transformative journey, following Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s submission of the 2024 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP) to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

In a symbolic ceremony marking the official start of the budget process, Chief Minister Ebrahim personally presented the proposed 2024 BEP, amounting to P98.46 billion, with a focus on education, infrastructure, and health, to Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong.

Now that the proposed budget for 2024 has been presented, let’s delve into the details of the budget roadmap, providing insights into the financial priorities and programs aimed at enhancing the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

Budget components

Atty. Ubaida Pacasem, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Management, explained the components of the proposed 2024 budget for BARMM.

It includes a P70.5 billion Annual Block Grant, P5.08 billion from shares in national taxes, a P5 billion Special Development Fund, P471 million from projected regional taxes, and P17.3 billion in declared savings from previous years.

“With the peace process making significant headways and a decline in violent conflicts, we anticipate bolstered investor confidence leading to fresh investments in the region,” Pacasem said.

Prioritizing education

Securing the largest share of the proposed budget with an allocation of P30.2 billion, the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) is dedicated to enhancing the educational landscape in BARMM.

“Our budget recognizes that education is the foundation of inclusive growth, sustainable development, and innovation […] to improve access and quality of education in the region,” Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said, emphasizing the ministry’s goal to ensure that “No Bangsamoro Child Shall Be Left Behind”.

It also intends to continue the implementation of the ministry’s various programs such as the Access to Higher and Modern Education Scholarship Program, TVET Scholarship Program, Bangsamoro Education Program, Madaris Standards, and Provision Program, Responsive Education System Promoting Effectiveness Competency Teaching Program, Madaris Asatidz Program, Bangsamoro School Sports Program, and Inclusive Education Program.

Additionally, the ministry has put forward a proposal of P754 million to fund the construction of schools, classrooms, libraries, and the provision of furniture and fixtures for teachers.

Infrastructure development

Receiving a substantial budget of P17.6 billion, the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), Minister Arch. Eduard Guerra said they are aiming to expedite the construction and maintenance of vital infrastructure facilities.

This includes flood management, bridges, and water systems to strengthen economic growth and connectivity.

“While we are strong and resilient, and may have resources to address the immediate impact of calamities, we put more premium on disaster prevention and mitigation measures,” Guerra said, stressing the necessity to construct more strategic infrastructure to assuage catastrophic aftermath of disasters.

Improving healthcare

The Ministry of Health (MOH), armed with a suggested budget of P6.6 billion, is dedicated to reinforcing healthcare services, enhancing medical facilities, and boosting public health initiatives to secure the welfare of its citizens.

The budget is intended to bolster public health services, rejuvenate healthcare facilities, and improve the entire healthcare system, addressing shortages of supplies and equipment.

Additionally, the MOH has plans to enhance rural health units and barangay health units.

Promoting social services

The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) has proposed P3.7 billion to reduce poverty and promote social cohesion by providing financial assistance to those in need.

Social Services Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie explains that the budget is designated to support initiatives offering financial assistance to eligible groups and individuals facing economic challenges.

“To help reduce poverty and vulnerability, and promote equity, our budget significantly supports initiatives geared towards strong social cohesion, and improved social protection,” Jajurie stated.

Meanwhile, the remaining ministries with substantial budget proposals for 2024 include the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) at P3,483,118,344, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) at P3,112,866,028, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) at P2,279,893,235, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) at P1,882,041,274, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) at P1,132,845,944, and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) at P834,206,301.

Budget approval process

The Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management has scheduled a series of budget deliberations for various ministries, agencies, and offices in November.

This stage involves a thorough review and discussion of each ministry’s proposed budget.

A vision for a better future

Chief Minister Ebrahim stated that the budget proposal signifies BARMM’s commitment to address the region’s needs, increase economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for the Bangsamoro people.

“In 2024 and beyond, we ensure ‘Sa Bawat Sentimo, Bangsamoro ang Sentro,’ Ebrahim said, urging everyone to join forces to maximize the effective use of the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024.

“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,” he stressed.

During the next two years leading up to the 2025 regular Parliament election, the proposed budget will play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future, aligning with BARMM’s commitment to deliver a brighter and more prosperous future for its constituents through this roadmap.(Aisah Abas/Bai Omaira Yusop/BIO)