Towards Strengthening the Fiscal Capabilities of ARMM
FOREWORD
“Towards Strengthening the Fiscal Capabilities of ARMM” is an incisive report that examines the fiscal environment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The report is a product of rigorous research conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts from the International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov), a policy think-tank composed of former Cabinet officials who have the privilege of insight into the development issues of ARMM as well as the fiscal realities of the Government of the Philippines. For some time, the issue over the adequacy (or lack) of funds in ARMM have elicited debates among political actors from the national government to the ARMM Regional Government in the face of poverty and human development indicators showing ARMM provinces lagging behind the rest of the country. The INCITEGov study puts to rest some of these questions. By moving beyond “mere anecdotal assumptions” and using empirical data based on an inventory of national government funds transferred to ARMM, including the Internal Revenue Allotment to LGUs. The findings of the study call for serious reflections particularly in the way funds are utilized and appropriated in the region. The Local Governance Support Program in ARMM (LGSPA) of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has been extending technical assistance support to the ARMM Regional Government and ARMM LGUs. LGSPA commits to support the ARG to work for much needed reforms and increasing capacities particularly in the critical areas of revenue generation and fund utilization.