Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials approved the proposed P85.3-billion budget for the BARMM for 2023.
The 2023 BARMM budget, with 44 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions, was approved on third and final reading, GMA News reported.
“The Committee of Finance, Budget and Management (CFBM) truly underwent marathon hearings and scrutinized the proposed budgets of all ministries and offices to ensure that the budget is for the Bangsamoro people,” CFBM chair MP Eduard Guerra, quoted by the GMA News report, said. The official added that “following this approval, we will move forward with the implementation of all projects and programs in the provinces of the region, including the Special Geographic Area.”
The 2023 budget is P5.5 billion more than the BARMM’s P79.8-billion budget in 2022.
The Bangsamoro government said it allocated P70.1 billion for all of the ministries, agencies, and offices, while P15.2 billion is allotted for special purpose funds.
The BARMM said the allocations include: Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – P27.2 billion; Ministry of Public Works – P16.4 billion; Office of the Chief Minister – P5.9 billion Ministry of Health – P5.8 billion; Bangsamoro Transition Authority – P3.9 billion; Ministry of Social Services – P3.07 billion; Ministry of Interior and Local Government – P2.04 billion; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform – P1.5 billion; Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy – P666 million; and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications – P539 million
For the education sector, the proposed budget aims to improve access to quality and holistic education by strengthening the education system.
BARMM officials also said in terms of infrastructure, the funds will be used to support its operations in road network and other public infrastructure facilities programs, such as road network development, bridge construction, flood management, water supply, port rehabilitation, and other infrastructure programs.
The funds will also improve equitable access to high-quality, low-cost healthcare services, protect against health-related financial risks, and improve disease preparedness, prevention, and management strategies.
Officials added that it will also provide a balanced and responsive approach to social welfare in which the rights, needs, and interests of all citizens within its jurisdiction are protected and addressed at all times, whether natural or human-induced, that affect their well-being and participation in community affairs.