Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad on Wednesday said that pursuing peace in Mindanao is a top priority in the 2015 national budget with a P9.94- billion allocation to widen social services and reconstruction, especially in conflict-affected areas.
He said the government believes that the peaceful settlement of the conflict and violence besetting Mindanao is not through strengthening national defense and security but by restoring the provision of essential government services.
“Ensuring inclusive growth means creating an environment of stability in different parts of the country. It’s true that the process of peace-building is a delicate and complex one, requiring much work and cooperation from both sides,” Abad said in a news statement.
He said of the total allocation for the peace program in Mindanao, the Department of Budget and Management has allocated P2.69 billion for social services to help communities in conflict-affected areas.
The budget aims to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
The allocation also includes support to the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program with P7.25-billion budget to help foster peace and development in conflict-torn areas throughout the country.
The Pamana program covers solar electrification, road construction, study grants for communities, support to indigenous people, irrigation, reforestation, health insurance and electrification for communities in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
“We have to remember the national government’s options for conflict resolution is not limited to reinforcing our military and police strength,” Abad said.
The programs on peace settlement in Mindanao also aim “to elevate the quality of life of the people living there even as we intensify our drive to reduce poverty.”
Estrella Torres