BARMM proposes P98.46B budget for 2024

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officially submitted its P98.46-billion proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, which is targeted to improve education, infrastructure, and health in the region.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on Tuesday turned over the proposed 2024 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program  (BEP) to Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong in a ceremony.

"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," said Ebrahim.

The 2024 BEP is higher than the P85.3 billion BEP for 2023.

According to Minister of Finance, Budget, and Management Ubaida Pacasem, the proposed budget will include P70.5 billion from the Annual Block Grant as provided in the 2024 National Expenditure Program; P5.08 billion from shares in national taxes collected within the BARMM as provided in the NEP; P5 billion for the Special Development Fund; P471 million from the projected regional taxes; and P17.3 billion from the declared savings from prior years.

Meanwhile, the top ten  ministries and offices in BARMM with the most substantial budget proposals for 2024 are as follows:

1. Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education: P30,231,210,027

2. Ministry of Public Works: P17,614,054,140

3. Ministry of Health: P6,657,091,430

4. Ministry of Social Services and Development: P3,702,389,285

5. Office of the Chief Minister: P3,483,118,344

6. Bangsamoro Transition Authority: P3,112,866,028

7. Ministry of Interior and Local Government P2,279,893,235

8. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform: P1,882,041,274

9. Ministry of Human Settlements and Development: P1,132,845,944

10. Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy: P834,206,301

—LDF, GMA Integrated News