The Marcos administration’s agenda for prosperity covers the development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Thursday.

Pangandaman gave the assurance when she led the 15th National Government – Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) Meeting with Minister Mohagher Iqbal at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

She assured the BARMM government of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s strong resolve to bring progress to the region.

“Echoing the President’s message, I want to reaffirm the national government’s commitment to assist you to the best of our abilities and capabilities to ensure that BARMM will be integrated into our Agenda for Prosperity,” Pangandaman said.

“Indeed, the gains we have achieved leading to a smooth transition were made possible because of our strengthened and continued cooperation and mutual trust. It is our shared commitment and ambition that fuels our desire to achieve lasting progress in the Bangsamoro region,” she added.

The IGRB meeting aims to strengthen the harmonious working relationship between the national government and the BARMM government to attain lasting peace, prosperity and inclusive and sustainable development in the autonomous region and the entire Mindanao.

Pangandaman noted that the lifting of state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao is an indication that there have been significant gains in enhancing and restoring peace and order in the region.

She emphasized that the focused military and law enforcement operations and programs have helped promote “sustainable and inclusive” peace in Mindanao.

Also present during the meeting were Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo; Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos; Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez; key officials and representatives from the national government agencies; BARMM ministers; and other IGRB members.

During the 14th IGRB meeting in General Santos City on June 1, Pangandaman stressed the need to implement “long-term” and “high-impact” projects in the BARMM to attain socioeconomic development in the region.

The Department of Budget and Management has already released to the Bangsamoro Government the block grant of BARMM amounting to PHP64.8 billion and the Special Development Fund amounting to PHP5 billion to rebuild, rehabilitate and develop conflict-affected communities in the region. (PNA)