President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the launch of the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program in Obando, Bulacan, where he outlined a government assistance package that includes recurring rice subsidies for vulnerable families and scholarship support for students in every barangay.
Speaking before local officials and residents, Marcos said the program is part of his administration’s effort to bring the national government closer to local communities by working directly with provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials.
Marcos said the initiative is funded through the Local Government Support Fund, which he said should be used directly for programs that benefit local governments and their constituents.
He said the government sought the help of mayors, barangay chairpersons, and other local officials in identifying residents who need assistance, noting that local leaders are in the best position to know the situation in their communities.
“Kaya sabi ko, bigyan natin ng rice subsidy lahat ng nangangailangan sa bawat bayan,” Marcos said.
Under the program, qualified beneficiaries will receive 10 kilos of rice every two months, or six times a year.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala dahil hindi po ito minsanan lamang. Magbibigay kami ng 10 kilong bigas kada dalawang buwan, anim na beses sa isang taon, paulit-ulit po,” Marcos said.
The President said the program reflects the importance of stronger coordination between the national and local governments, especially in delivering services faster to the public.
“At nakikita naman natin, kapag nagtulungan, kapag maganda ang ugnayan sa national at saka local government, mas marami, mas mabilis ang serbisyo maibababa natin sa mga tao,” he said.
Marcos also discussed the Socio-Civic Development Program for barangays, under which each barangay receives P200,000. He said P100,000 of the amount should be used to support five “Presidential Scholars,” with each scholar receiving P20,000 in assistance from the Office of the President.
The remaining P100,000 may be used by barangays for projects or programs based on their own needs, including rice assistance, transport support, or other local initiatives.
Marcos said the government would consider increasing the budget for the program next year if the initial implementation proves effective.
“Kapag maganda ang patakbo natin at nakita natin na maganda ‘yung plano, ‘yung programa, at maganda ang pagka-implement ng ating mga local official, ay titiyakin ko sa susunod na taon, palakihin pa natin ‘yung budget para mas parami pa tayong matulungan,” he said.
During his speech, Marcos also addressed the recent fire at a dumpsite that affected Obando, saying the blaze was difficult to put out because the garbage pile was deep and the fire had burned underneath the surface. He said authorities had to build a road for dump trucks and use wet soil to smother the fire.
The President warned of the danger posed by toxic smoke, particularly from burning plastic, and said the government would closely monitor similar incidents moving forward.
Marcos also highlighted other government programs, including the YAKAP program, which provides free medical consultations and medicines in schools for students, teachers, and parents, and the school-based feeding program, which provides nutritious meals studied with the help of the Department of Science and Technology and nutrition experts.
He reiterated his belief that education is a right, not a privilege, and said the government has a duty to support every child who wants to study.
“Para sa akin, ang edukasyon po ay hindi pribilehiyo. Ang edukasyon para sa akin ay karapatan ng bawat bata,” Marcos said.
The President assured residents that his administration would continue to listen to the needs of communities and find ways to improve the lives of Filipinos.
“Your government is beside you. Your government is behind you,” Marcos said. “Ginagawa po namin lahat para tumulong sa ating minamahal na mga kababayan para pagandahin din ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino at pagandahin ang ating minamahal na Pilipinas.”