BEYOND BUDGET
Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
As a proud Mindanaoan and the only Muslim woman in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s (PBBM's) Cabinet, I was privileged to personally go to Simunul, Tawi-Tawi to witness the celebration of the 643rd Anniversary of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day on Nov. 7, 2023. I was overjoyed to be one with my Muslim brothers and sisters to honor Sheikh Makhdum, whom we revere and thank for bringing Islam, the first-recorded monotheistic religion in the Philippines and the second-largest religion in the country, with almost seven million Filipinos practicing the faith.
The celebration was highlighted by the unveiling of the historical marker for the Sheikh Makhdum Mosque and its turnover from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) through its chairman, Dr. Emmanuel F. Calairo, to Simunul Mayor Wasilah T. Abdurahman. Established in 1380, this mosque in Tubig Indangan is the first and oldest mosque not only in the country but in Southeast Asia. It symbolizes the introduction and propagation of Islam in the country. Its sacred pillars are a testament to the rich and colorful centuries-old history and culture of our people. In fact, it was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute (NHI) now the NHCP, through Board Resolution No. 4 dated Aug. 13, 1998, and through Republic Act No. 10573 dated May 24, 2013. The day before, on Nov. 6, the DBM also joined in the unveiling of the historical marker for the tomb of Sheikh Makhdum in Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi, declared a national historical shrine by virtue of NHI Board Resolution No. 6 dated Sept. 23, 1993.
I subscribe to the belief that when Sheikh Makhdum brought Islam to the Philippine shore, he not only provided the faith but more importantly, the lesson that despite the diversity of our people, our country will thrive if we view these differences with acceptance and treat everyone with dignity.
For us Muslim Filipinos, these celebrations are a crucial part of our narrative and identity. Hence, aligned with PBBM’s call for harmony in the face of diversity, I am one with the NHCP in promoting the inclusion of Philippine Muslim history in the nation's history to transcend religious and cultural divides, ultimately promoting national unity.
Hence, I was ecstatic to share during my keynote address that PBBM signed Administrative Order No. 10, establishing the Situmiayat Wakhamsum Aldhikraa National Committee (SWANC) for the commemoration of the 650th Anniversary of the Philippine Muslim History and Heritage in 2030 (650PH in 2030), the very same day. It was just last March when NHCP Chairman Calairo and I started brainstorming how to make the event more significant.
Indeed, it was the sweetest surprise. I was deeply moved by and extremely grateful for the President's support. For me, this demonstrates President BBM’s love and respect for Muslims and Mindanao. I am therefore confident that 650PH in 2030 will portray the story of our nation’s flourishing unity amid diversity. It exemplifies how faith can unite individuals, add value to human life, and build peace.
Thus, with DBM as a member of the SWANC, I pledged to cooperate and ensure its success, through preparations starting as early as now until the culmination of 650PH in 2030.
Government’s support for Mindanao
As I often emphasized, in our journey toward achieving a future-proof and sustainable economy, no Filipino should be left behind, including Muslims.
Thus, to support Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM’s) autonomy and peace, the DBM has fully released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Annual Block Grant, and ₱5 billion to rehabilitate conflict-affected communities. To complement this, we are continuing the capacity-building training and assistance for BARMM’s Public Financial Management practitioners.
Under the proposed FY 2024 National Budget, now undergoing Senate deliberations, some ₱80.6 billion was allocated for financial assistance to BARMM. This includes the Annual Block Grant worth ₱70.5 billion, reflecting an increase of nine percent from 2023. Meanwhile, among the major programs and projects to support BARMM is the PAMANA or the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn Program for infrastructure development in BARMM with an allocation of ₱5.3 billion. In addition, the NHCP will receive ₱250.78 million, of which ₱57.01 million will be used to support its Historical Commemoration and Promotion Program and ₱5.5 million for its Philippine Muslim History Project.
Moreover, during the 16th meeting of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), which I co-chair with BARMM Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, on Nov. 9 in Davao City, we activated all seven mechanisms of the IGRB established under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Now working in full swing, these take us a step closer to my dream of seeing a thriving BARMM and a Mindanao that shines as a land of promises fulfilled.
And to add more meaning to the celebrations and our visit in Tawi-Tawi, the DBM, together with the NHCP, the Philippine Coast Guard, and its auxiliary, the PCGA, distributed school supplies to a total of 683 daycare children, 322 in Simunul and 361 in Sibutu. This in line with the President’s call to support our kababayans in need and part of my advocacy to help children, especially in disadvantaged communities in Mindanao. It was then very fulfilling to see the bright smiles on the children’s and their parents’ faces, as they received the supplies.
Beyond budget, commemorating 650PH is essential as it expands awareness about the captivating history and fascinating culture, tradition, and heritage of Muslim Filipinos. Fostering understanding will allow more Filipinos to embrace our cultural differences which will pave the way for unity and lasting peace. We, in the PBBM administration, believe that it is through unity — a key feature of Bagong Pilipinas — that we will successfully achieve our Agenda for Prosperity.
(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the current Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)