BARMM proposes P85.3-B budget for 2023

DAVAO CITY — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim submitted to the Bangsamoro Parliament on Monday, Sept. 26, the proposed Php85.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2023.
 
In his budget message, Ebrahim hopes that the budget appropriations will bring the region to a better future as it draws the line to suatained progess.

 The mesage added “This plan will hopefully transform the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to become a better environment for our people who shall enjoy the benefits of a better economy,.”

 In a speech delivered before the members of the parliament, Ibrahim explained the budget allocations were crafted in accordance with the general classification of services to the different sectors of the Bangsamoro Governments which will serve the populace.

Topping the proposed budget us the social services sector, with a Php36.9 billion budget which included the education, culture, and manpower development; subsidy to local government units (LGUs); social security, welfare and employment; and health.
 
Next to the social services sector if the P28.2-billion fund for the general public services sector, said sector includes efforts in ensuring public order and safety, including law enforcement, maintenance of public order, and political administration; and general administration such as general government, fiscal affairs, civil service, and lawmaking functions.
 
A total of Php19.9 billion was allocated for the economic services sector. According to the chief minister, the sector aims to fund interventions on communications, roads, and transportation facilities; agriculture, agrarian reform and natural resources; water resources development and flood control; trade and industry; power and energy; and tourism.

While Php250 million was allotted for peace and stability sector. “As enablers of socioeconomic development, the Peace and Stability sector focuses its efforts on promoting peaceful and inclusive Bangsamoro society for sustainable development with access to justice and build effective and accountable institutions,” Ebrahim said.
 
In ending his speech, Ebrahim encouraged his colleagues in the Bangsamoro Parliament to work together to make sure that their plans are concretely expressed in the proposed budget.
 
“With your support, together we shall be able to unite to build a strong and dedicated Bangsamoro Government that will fulfill the promises of peace, development and meaningful self-governance for the betterment of lives of our people, In shaa Allah,” he said.
 
Prior to the submission of the proposed budget to the Parliament, the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM) conducted a series of extensive budget hearings where all BARMM ministries and offices were required to present and defend their budget proposals that are anchored on BARMM’s development agenda.
 
With the appointment of the members of the new Parliament, MFBM Minister Ubaida Pacasem said, “The new set of leaders will build on the progress made by the Bangsamoro Government in establishing or reforming institutions that are able to provide security and social services, and pursue collective goals of enduring peace, justice, and development.” -with report from Johanie Mae Kusain/BIO