DBM PRESS RELEASE
The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), co-chaired by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal led the turnover of the 3rd IGRB Progress Report to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today, July 31, 2024.
The IGRB is the intergovernmental body that fosters the relations between the Bangsamoro regional government and the Philippine national government.
“I am honored to submit this Report, which not only outlines the achievements of the current IGRB but also encapsulates our hard work and dedication in realizing our aspirations for a BARMM that is the epitome of fulfilled promises, peace, and progress,” Secretary Pangandaman shared in her welcome message.
PBBM, in his message, described the ceremonial turnover as “a testament to our fruitful partnership and enduring commitment to peace and development” and highlighted the significant achievements of the IGRB including the operationalization of all seven IGRB mechanisms in less than two years.
“With the said bodies established, we now possess the necessary platforms to ensure greater collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government in pursuing our shared goals and endeavors for our people,” the President said.
Other peace and development milestones cited by PBBM were the qualification and commissioning of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members into the Philippine National Police, the grant of amnesties to former members of the MILF and the MNLF, the successful turnover of various properties and assets of the National Government within the BARMM to the Bangsamoro Government, and the signing in July 2023 of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular on the Joint Award on Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in BARMM.
Ways forward
In his speech, PBBM also instructed the DBM Secretary to create the IGRB Manual of Operations.
Moving forward, the IGRB, through its Joint Secretariat, will codify its guidelines and procedures through the said Manual of Operations to ensure the continuity of the process of resolving IGR issues as the transition period ends after the first regular elections in BARMM in May 2025.
In response, Secretary Pangandaman, as IGRB Co-Chair, affirmed that the body is on board with the President in the creation of the manual to ensure the smoother and continued enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“This is an appropriate next step since we have completed the 7 IGRB mechanisms and we thank the President for recognizing that one of the ways forward is the codification of procedures through a Manual of Operations, which will solidify our efforts for lasting peace and economic development,” the Budget Chief stated.
“Of course, this will be a long and meticulous process but we look forward to crafting this to ensure BARMM’s economic and social transformation,” Secretary Pangandaman added.
The 3rd IGRB Progress Report was presented to PBBM by IGRB Co-Chairpersons Secretary Pangandaman and Minister Iqbal. Joining PBBM onstage as he received the report were House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. Also present were Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., whose office presented a video on the progress report; other members of the Cabinet who are also part of the IGRB; and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
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