President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged young beneficiaries of a government scholarship initiative to make the most of the financial assistance given to them, saying education remains one of the most important investments in the country’s future.
Speaking before a group of presidential scholars, Marcos explained that the program provides P200,000 to each barangay, with P100,000 set aside to support five students who need financial help to continue or complete their studies.
Under the initiative, each scholar will receive P20,000 in assistance.
Marcos said barangay officials were advised to prioritize students who are close to graduating but are at risk of failing to finish school because of financial difficulties, work obligations, or other personal circumstances.
“Basta’t makatulong. So, bawat isa sa inyo, makakatanggap ng PhP20,000. ‘Yun ang pampatulong sa inyo para sa inyong scholarship,” Marcos said.
The President reminded the scholars to use the assistance wisely and for its intended purpose, particularly in supporting their education.
He said the program could reach more than 200,000 students nationwide, noting that the country has over 42,000 barangays, with five scholars targeted in each community.
“At sa ganoong paraan ay makakatulong tayo ng napakarami dahil ang barangay sa Pilipinas, more than 42,000. Kaya kung kada barangay, makakakuha tayo ng lima, more than 200 to 210,000 plus ang natutulungan natin,” Marcos said.
Marcos stressed that education should not be treated as a privilege but as a right that government must protect and support.
“Para sa pamahalaan, ang edukasyon ay hindi pribilehiyo, ito’y karapatan ng bawat na ating kabataan na kailangan ng pamahalaan ay asikasuhin at tiyakin na maganda ang sektor ng edukasyon,” he said.
The President acknowledged that the education sector had fallen behind in recent years, saying it had not received enough attention. He said his administration is working to address those gaps by ensuring that young Filipinos who want to study have access to schools, support systems, and quality instruction.
Marcos also shared his personal experience, saying he was fortunate to study in good schools and has continued to use what he learned throughout his life.
He described education as a lasting form of wealth that cannot be taken away, stolen, or lost.
“Hindi na makukuha sa iyo ‘yan, hindi na malulusaw ‘yan, hindi maaagaw ‘yan, hindi mananakaw ‘yan. Habang buhay kayo, nandiyan, nasa sa inyo ‘yan,” Marcos said.
He told the scholars that their education would help them improve their own lives, support their families, serve their communities, and contribute to the country.
“Kaya mag-aral kayo nang mabuti, study hard, work hard, at makikita natin napakaganda ang magiging tulong ng magandang edukasyon para sa inyong lahat,” he said.
Marcos said he hopes to see the scholars again when they finally receive their diplomas.
He also reminded them that they will eventually become the country’s future leaders, not only in government but also in business, education, public service, and other sectors.
“Darating ang araw, kayo naman ang mga liderato dito sa Pilipinas,” Marcos said.
“Kapag maganda ang pag-aaral ninyo, maganda ang patakbo ng Pilipinas at matutulungan ninyong pagandahin ang buhay ng bawat kababayan natin at pagagandahin ang ating minamahal na Pilipinas,” he added.