DBM releases P5 billion for BARMM rehab, development

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P5 billion for the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Miillion ndanao (BARMM).

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said she approved a special allotment release order and the corresponding notice of cash allocation for the amount.

The allocation is released by the Bureau of the Treasury to the Bangsamoro government through an authorized government servicing bank.

Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the government will provide a budget of P5 billion annually to the SDF for 10 years.

The amount will be used for rebuilding, rehabilitation and development of conflict-affected communities.

The Marawi siege in May 2017 resulted in around P17 billion in damage to property.

The inter-agency Task Force Bangon Marawi had earlier said nearly P50 billion is needed to restore the affected areas in Marawi.

Pangandaman said the Bangsamoro region should take advantage of the funding by helping its residents and improving areas that need development.

“We will ensure that we will help in its smooth transition process and strengthen its communities,” she said.

Apart from the SDF, the government allocated P65 billion for BARMM’s annual block grant and P4.59 billion for its share in taxes, fees and charges collected in the region.