DBM PRESS RELEASE
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary, Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman highlighted the significant milestones reached for the development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at the 18th meeting of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) held in Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental on May 8, 2024.
Secretary Pangandaman led the event as co-chair alongside BARMM Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal.
In her speech, the Budget Secretary celebrated the successes of BARMM in promoting peace and development.
“We are also on the path to making the Philippines—through BARMM—an investment destination. The Bangsamoro region generated some Php 3.3 billion worth of investments in the last three months of 2023 alone, generating employment for 1,927 workers—proving that BARMM is truly transforming from the land of promise into the land of promises fulfilled,” Secretary Pangandaman emphasized.
The Budget Chief also highlighted the activation of the seven mechanisms within the IGRB in less than a year, and emphasized BARMM’s emergence as an investment destination.
Additionally, she highlighted the successful commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and discussed BARMM’s journey toward the upcoming elections for the BARMM Parliament.
“Allow me also to commend BARMM and my colleagues in the Philippine Government for the successful commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) last April 29 in Maguindanao. As a daughter of BARMM myself, it was especially meaningful for me that on this third visit of mine to BARMM since I became Budget Secretary, this time it was with no less than the President—as you can see, BARMM is no longer a neglected region but a priority in our Agenda for Prosperity,” added Secretary Pangandaman.
Meanwhile, the Budget Secretary also expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his unequivocal support and recognition of the IGRB’s objectives.
For his part, BARMM Minister Iqbal emphasized that the IGRB will continue its role as an important mechanism between governments that agrees with the aspirations of the people in the Bangsamoro.
“The IGRB will continue to play a fundamental role in this transformative journey. As a vital Intergovernmental mechanism, it ensures that the Governance framework align with the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people while maintaining coherence with national policies,” Minister Iqbal said.
The IGRB plays a crucial role in the context of BARMM by facilitating cooperation and coordination between agencies established within BARMM and the Philippine National Government. Its primary function is to engage in regular consultations and ongoing negotiations to address significant issues in a constructive manner.
Secretary Pangandaman was accompanied by other DBM officials during the meeting, including Undersecretary Wilford Will L. Wong, Undersecretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran and Atty. Mijo Solis.
###
Telephone: (+632)-8657-3300 local 2522
