CHIZ: P24 BILLION TO BOOST ARMM DEVELOPMENT

A 24-percent increase to P24 billion has been allotted for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2015, a spending package envisioned to respond to the needs of the community and push the much-needed development in the region, according to Senator Chiz Escudero, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

As the ARMM prepares for its transition to Bangsamoro regional government, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) received P10.642 billion out of its total appropriation for next year in order to focus on construction of infrastructure broken down as follows: roads and bridges, P8.106 billion; water systems, P765.816 million; ports, lighthouses and harbors, P670 million; and flood control, P561.630 million.

On the other hand, money earmarked for various ARMM programs amounted to P12.394 billion, which will be used for the agency's administrative operation, provision of staff support, and budget for regional departments, Legislative Assembly and the Offices of the Governor and Vice Governor.

Three ongoing ARMM projects got P11.906 billion or 48.9 percent of the region's total budget allocation. Appropriation for Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Synergy (HELPS) almost doubled to P1.02 billion to finance construction of barangay halls, community learning centers and multipurpose buildings, public markets and terminals. About P76.5 million was set aside for the implementation, monitoring and supervision of the projects.

Another project, the ARMM BRIDGE (Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Sustainable Growth with Equity), was allotted P120 million to serve as the transition program for the Autonomous Regional Government (ARG) to prepare communities for the Bangsamoro government.

Out of the 57.4 million Capital Outlay for BRIDGE, P50.4 million will be distributed to Tuburan, Basilan; Tagoloan, Lanao del Sur; Pandag, Maguindanao; Panglima, Sulu; and Sibutu, Tawi-tawi, each getting P10.080 million for their Community Based Infrastructure.

However, the 2015 budget for Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program (PAMANA) was substantially cut to P655.502 million from P2.660 billion in 2014.