ZAMBOANGA CITY — The signing of the 2025 budget was seen as a move by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government to solidify its commitment to inclusive and transparent governance as the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) nears the end of its mandate.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim Al-Haj and Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong signed the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 65 or the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro for Fiscal Year 2025 amounting to P94.4 billion on Wednesday.

“This might be the final appropriations bill that we will pass as a transition government,” the BARMM chief minister said during the signing ceremony.

“Let us use this opportunity to leave a lasting imprint of transparency, inclusivity, and responsive, moral governance for the betterment of our Bangsamoro Government and the public we serve,” Ebrahim emphasized.

The BTA Parliament approved the budget on Tuesday night with 55 affirmative votes, one negative vote, and no abstentions.

The bill underwent over a month of deliberations by the Committee on Finance, Budget and Management to ensure the strategic allocation of the region’s resources.

Meanwhile, despite the Supreme Court ruling separating Sulu province from the Bangsamoro region, the 2025 budget includes provisions for its inclusion.

This decision highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring continuous and effective service delivery to the province regardless of political boundaries.

The 2025 budget prioritizes key sectors that underpin the development of the Bangsamoro region.

The Education sector received the largest allocation, with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education granted 33.2 percent of the total budget, reinforcing the government’s commitment to education as a foundation for progress.

The Ministry of Public Works followed with 11.8 percent, while the Ministry of Health was allocated 7.7 percent and the BTA itself received 5.1 percent.

Other key allocations include the Office of the Chief Minister with 4.02 percent and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) at 4 percent.