President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration may increase the budget for the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) in 2027 if the program continues to effectively deliver assistance to communities and barangays nationwide.
Marcos made the statement on Friday during the ceremonial turnover of SCPF financial assistance in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
The President said the government is closely monitoring the implementation of the program, particularly how efficiently assistance reaches barangays and supports local priority projects.
“’Pagka maging maganda ang patakbo nitong programang ito, ‘pagka naging maganda ang pagkalat natin ng benepisyo sa iba’t ibang lugar ay asahan ninyo na pagdating ng budget sa 2027, dagdagan natin ng budget para mas malaki pa,” Marcos said.
He also assured residents that the national government remains committed to listening to communities and extending assistance where needed.
“Gusto ko lang na malaman po ninyong lahat, ang inyong pamahalaan ay nandito, lagi po na umaalalay sa inyo, na nakikinig sa inyo,” he added.
During the turnover ceremony, each of Cagayan’s 820 barangays received P200,000 in financial assistance through local officials, including the provincial governor, Tuguegarao City mayor, provincial Association of Barangay Captains president, and Tuguegarao City ABC president.
The assistance package was divided into two components.
Half of the amount, or P100,000, will fund barangay development priorities such as public services, office and administrative equipment, street lighting, and disaster risk reduction and management projects.
The remaining P100,000 will support five Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars in every barangay, with each scholar receiving P20,000 in educational assistance.
Marcos urged the scholars to maximize the opportunity given to them, saying their education would not only benefit themselves but also their families and communities.
He also emphasized the importance of preparing the youth for future leadership and nation-building.
“Para naman maiiwanan namin ang Pilipinas sa magandang kamay. At kaya napakahalaga ng scholarship niyo,” the President said.
As of May 14, 2026, the SCPF-Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program has released P200,000 each to 7,933 barangays nationwide, amounting to a total of P1.59 billion.
Marcos said the program reflects the administration’s continuing effort to provide direct support to local communities while investing in grassroots development and the education of young Filipinos.