In keeping with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable development embodied in the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman has approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation amounting to P57.120 million for the implementation of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (DSWD-NCIP).
The PAMANA program, under the guidance of the DSWD-NCIP, aims to promote peace and progress in areas affected by conflict through various socio-economic interventions.
The fund will specifically go to the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) of PAMANA to uplift indigenous communities by ensuring students in these regions have access to quality education and enhanced opportunities for a brighter future.
“We always recognize the unique challenges faced by our IP communities. The educational assistance program is a vital step towards empowering them, providing access to quality education and opportunities for advancement,” Sec. Pangandaman stated.
Special Provision No. 1 of the NCIP budget under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act specifies that the appropriated amount for the PAMANA program is to be used exclusively for implementing projects in conflict-affected areas identified by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, Reconciliation, and Unity.
The released fund will cover 1,358 PAMANA-EAP grantees from conflict-affected IP areas in the Caraga Administrative Region (CAR), regions IV-B, IX, XI, XII, and XIII.
“We look forward to seeing the PAMANA program reach its intended beneficiaries, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Education is critical to our efforts to foster peace and prosperity,” the Secretary Mina added.
Sec. Pangandaman signed the SARO to support the EAP of the NCIP regional offices on 07 June 2024. (ANTONIO)
