Manila: Over PHP1.4 billion will be earmarked for the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) implementation and monitoring of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to promote lasting peace and development, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the issuance of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) covering the funding requirements for the PAMANA Program. Pangandaman emphasized the importance of the program in supporting the long-term development of localities, particularly vulnerable communities across the country.
The PAMANA Program consists of micro-level interventions aimed at responding to conflict and strengthening peace-building efforts, as well as supporting reconstruction and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. It is 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 focuses on empowering conflict-vulnerable and conflict-affected regions and indigenous communities by providing improved access to basic services. An allocation of PHP351.071 million is designated for capacity building in 198 target areas or communities across several regions, including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, and Cagayan Valley, among others.
Meanwhile, the PAMANA LGU-Led Livelihood Track involves livelihood assistance programs implemented in collaboration with LGUs to complement the community subprojects under the PAMANA Peace and Development Track. This track aims to enhance the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas, with PHP1.049 billion allocated for Sustainable Livelihood Associations across 981 target areas in regions such as CAR, Central Luzon, and the Bicol Region.
The DBM noted that the budget for the PAMANA Program is chargeable against the DSWD's Specific Budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Of the total amount, PHP500 million is designated for peace and development case management processes to aid in the healing of individuals, families, and communities affected by armed conflict, consistent with the Special Provision of the DSWD budget under the FY 2025 GAA.
