President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially introduced a new scholarship program on Monday, aimed at empowering college students across the country under the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” initiative.
The program, funded through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund, allocates ₱200,000 to every barangay. Half of this amount is strictly dedicated to supporting five presidential scholars per village, with each student receiving ₱20,000 in educational assistance.
During the launch at General Trias Sports Park in Cavite, the President highlighted the massive scale of the educational investment.
“Bawat barangay, makakatulong tayo ng limang scholar… With approximately 42,000 barangays in the Philippines, lampas-lampas na ng 200,000 ang magiging presidential scholar,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive emphasized that education serves as a permanent asset for young Filipinos, describing it as a form of wealth that remains secure regardless of life’s circumstances.
“Kapag maganda ang naging edukasyon mo, nag-aral kayo nang mabuti, napakabigat na kayamanan ‘yan na nasa sa inyo. At kahit ano pang mangyari, hindi na makukuha ‘yan sa inyo,” he said. “Hindi puwedeng agawin, hindi puwedeng nanakawin, hindi puwedeng kunin sa inyo ‘yan, ‘yang edukasyon na ‘yan.”
The initiative is structured to allow local communities to directly foster academic excellence and leadership. Beyond education, the expanded “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program also addresses food security.
Vulnerable families are set to receive 10 kilograms of rice every two months to cushion the impact of rising commodity prices.
“Alam naman natin, ‘pag tumaas ang presyo ng langis, sasabay ‘yung ibang mga bilihin. Kaya’t mabuti na lang at mayroon na tayong programang ito,” the President noted.
Marcos expressed his commitment to expanding these social safety nets, suggesting that funding could increase in the coming years once the delivery system is fully optimized.
“Asahan ninyo na walang katapusan ang aming paghahanap ng iba’t ibang paraan upang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan, upang maramdaman ng taumbayan ang mga programa… Hindi lamang sa national government, kung hindi pati na sa local government,” he added.