DBM releases P1.4B for reconstruction, development of conflict-stricken areas
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of over P1.4 billion to support the rebuilding and development of conflict-stricken areas in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of the fund for the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program.
The PAMANA Program, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is composed of micro-level interventions to respond to conflict and strengthen peace-building efforts, as well as support reconstruction and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.
The DBM said the PAMANA Program is being implemented in two tracks —the PAMANA Peace and Development Project and the PAMANA Local Government Unit (LGU)-Led Livelihood Track.
The PAMANA Peace and Development Project seeks to empower conflict-vulnerable and conflict-affected regions and indigenous communities by providing improved access to basic services and a platform where identified communities can propose projects based on their needs.
For this track, a total of P351.071 million is allocated for the capacity building of 198 target areas/communities in regions CAR, I, II, IV A-B, VI-VIII, X, and XIII, according to the Budget Department.
The PAMANA DSWD/LGU-led livelihood track is composed of livelihood assistance programs implemented together with the LGUs to complement the community subprojects under the PAMANA Peace and Development Track.
It aims to improve the socio-economic condition of the beneficiaries in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas towards sustainable development.
A total of P1.049 billion has been allocated for this track for 981 target areas for Sustainable Livelihood Associations in regions CAR, II-VI, NIR, IX, and XIII, the DBM said.
A total of P500 million shall be used for the peace and development case management process to facilitate the healing process of individuals, families, and communities over traumas from armed conflict struggles to build their resilience, consistent with the Special Provision of the DSWD budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the agency said.
The DBM said the appropriated budget for the PAMANA Program is chargeable against the DSWD's budget under the 2025 GAA. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
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