President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said more than 200,000 students nationwide may benefit from a new barangay-based scholarship initiative that will provide P20,000 in education assistance to selected learners in every barangay.
Speaking before Batang Maynila Presidential Scholars at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, Marcos said the initiative forms part of the administration’s “Bawat Bayan ay Makikinabang” program, which seeks to bring national government support directly to communities through local government units.
Under the program, each barangay will receive P200,000 in assistance. Marcos said half of the amount, or P100,000, must be allocated for scholarship support for five students, with each beneficiary receiving P20,000.
With around 42,000 barangays across the country, the President said the program could help more than 200,000 students continue their studies, particularly those who are already close to graduation but are at risk of dropping out because of financial difficulties.
“Ang piliin ninyo, ‘yung mga magtatapos na. Pero, baka hindi makapagtapos dahil kulang sa pambayad, kailangang magtrabaho, kung ano man ang dahilan,” Marcos said.
Marcos said the government wants the assistance to reach students who need only a final push to complete their education, stressing that even a small amount of support could make a difference for families struggling to keep their children in school.
He said the remaining P100,000 allotted to each barangay may be used for other local priorities, depending on the needs identified by barangay officials. These may include additional rice assistance, expanded scholarship support, community projects, or equipment for barangay tanod.
The President said the government chose to course the funds through local communities because barangay and local officials are in a better position to identify urgent needs and deliver assistance faster.
Marcos also cited education data showing that nearly 29 percent of college students dropped out in 2025, saying it would be a waste for students who are already near the finish line to abandon their studies because of financial constraints.
He urged the beneficiaries to make full use of the assistance and finish their studies, saying a diploma or certificate could open better opportunities not only for the students but also for their families and communities.
“Pagsipagan ninyo ito at magkikita ulit tayo kapag may hawak na kayong mga diploma,” Marcos said.