President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday spearheaded the simultaneous launch of the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” Program across four Metro Manila cities, broadening the reach of state welfare for poor and marginalized families.
The pilot run in the capital region forms part of an expansive strategy to optimize the distribution of national projects through close coordination with local government units (LGUs), ensuring that grassroots communities experience immediate relief and progress.
Marcos traveled to Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and Pasay to monitor the deployment, highlighting his administration’s goal to tighten the link between local and national agencies in bringing social services directly to the people.
Speaking at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, the Chief Executive stressed the vital role of synchronized governance.
“Sinadya ko po rito kayo ngayong araw na ito upang tignan at tiyakin na maganda ang ating paglulunsad ng mga bagong programa na nanggagaling sa national government na kasabay ang ating mga local government,” he said.
He noted that the project is designed to foster inclusive growth and empower LGUs to handle the localized distribution of social amenities.
Drawing from his past tenure as governor of Ilocos Norte, the President explained how his background in local governance heavily influenced his executive leadership style, adding that immersion at the municipal level provides a realistic view of public needs.
“Ito ay ginawa namin upang maramdaman kaagad ng taong bayan, anuman ang programa, anuman ang tulong, o anuman ang pondo na ibinibigay ng national government ay idadaan natin sa local government,” Marcos said.
“Ang dami kong natutunan tungkol sa pagpapatakbo kapag nasa ground level. Iba kapag congressman ka, iba kapag senador ka. Ibang-iba kapag Pangulo ka. Hindi mo makikita. Hindi mo alam kung ano talaga ang mga issue at ano ba ‘yung practical na mga pagyayari na kailangang bigyan ng solusyon.”
During the Muntinlupa leg, approximately 1,900 families across nine villages were selected to receive rice subsidies as initial beneficiaries, with the city-wide target set at 31,000 households.
Additionally, the program granted ₱200,000 in cash assistance to every barangay within the four pilot cities to fund localized community projects, alongside a ₱20,000 educational stipend awarded to five presidential scholars per village.