COTABATO CITY - The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has referred the proposed 2025 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program, amounting to P96.69 billion, to the Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management (CFBM) for further deliberation.  The budget prioritizes key sectors including education, infrastructure, health, and social services.

CFBM Chair Mary Ann Arnado emphasized the importance of maintaining the current trajectory of the Bangsamoro government, stating that this focus is essential for achieving its goals. 

"Sustaining our direction is vital for the realization of our governmental objectives,"  Arnado said.

 

The Parliament also approved on second reading Parliament Bill No. 99, which proposes the establishment of the South Ubian General Hospital, a 25-bed level general hospital in Tawi-Tawi. 

Health Committee Chair Hashemi Dilangalen stressed the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure, noting that residents have long struggled to access adequate medical services.

 

Further efforts to improve public services were evident in the Parliament's call for the Government Services Insurance System (GSIS) to establish branch or extension offices throughout the Bangsamoro region.  This move aims to enhance accessibility to GSIS services for Bangsamoro residents.

 

Another resolution calls on the Inter-Governmental Infrastructure Development Board to prioritize the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Narciso Ramos Highway that links Cotabato City to Pagadian City and Marawi City.  This crucial infrastructure project will improve connectivity and facilitate economic development in the region.