DBM releases P57 million for Indigenous People’s Educational Assistance

MANILA, Philippines — In keeping with President Marcos’ commitment to inclusivity and equitable development embodied in the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation amounting to P57.120 million for the implementation of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

The PAMANA program aims to promote peace and progress in areas affected by conflict through various socio-economic interventions.

The fund will specifically go to the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) of PAMANA to uplift indigenous communities by ensuring that students in these regions have access to quality education and enhanced opportunities for a brighter future.

“We always recognize the unique challenges faced by our IP communities. The educational assistance program is a vital step toward empowering them, providing access to quality education and opportunities for advancement,” Pangandaman said.

Special Provision No. 1 of the NCIP budget under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act specifies that the appropriated amount for the PAMANA program is to be used exclusively for implementing projects in conflict-affected areas identified by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, Reconciliation, and Unity.

The released fund will cover 1,358 PAMANA-EAP grantees from conflict-affected IP areas in the Caraga, regions IV-B, IX, XI, XII and XIII.

“We look forward to seeing the PAMANA program reach its intended beneficiaries, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Education is critical to our efforts to foster peace and prosperity,” she added.

Pangandaman signed the SARO to support the EAP of the NCIP regional offices on June 7.