Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto assured qualified student beneficiaries under the government’s presidential scholarship program that they will continue receiving support until they complete their studies.
During his visit to Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday, July 15, Recto urged scholars to remain focused on their education and maximize the opportunity provided by the program.
“Galingan ninyo ang pag-aaral ninyo; pagsikapan ninyo,” Recto told the scholars.
“‘Pag kayo ay nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral ninyo, matutulungan ninyo ang inyong pamilya, makakatulong kayo sa ating mga komunidad, at mababawasan ang kahirapan sa ating bansa,” he added.
Recto highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that government services reach those who need them most, saying the scholarship initiative is among the administration’s key programs to help more Filipino students finish their education.
The Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program, launched under the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” initiative, provides financial assistance to qualified college students to help address the number of learners who leave college due to financial difficulties.
Under the program, eligible students receive ₱20,000 in educational assistance.
Recto said more than 30 million students have benefited from various government education subsidies this year.
“And ang sabi ng Pangulo, ‘Kulang pa ‘yan,’ kaya dinagdagan niya para siguraduhin na lahat ng barangay sa Pilipinas ay may makapagtapos na mga kabataan natin,” Recto said.
He announced that each barangay in Mindoro will have five presidential scholars.
Recto also thanked Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor and other local officials for supporting the implementation of the program.
“Sila ang mga … partner ng ating Pangulo upang maisagawa ang programang ito,” he said.
Dolor, meanwhile, praised the initiative, saying it was the first time he had seen a national administration provide equal access to such assistance across communities.
“Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, sa panahon ni Pangulong [Marcos], sa inisyatiba at pangangalaga ni Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, nabuo ang konsepto: bawat barangay, makikinabang,” Dolor said.
Recto encouraged the scholars to become contributors to the country’s development, saying the program reflects the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Filipinos and advancing inclusive growth.
The scholarship program specifically targets college students nearing graduation who are at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints. The initiative aims to address the reported high college dropout rate, estimated at nearly 29 percent.
The program is funded through the Local Government Support Fund and Socio-Civic Project Funds. Each of the more than 42,000 barangays nationwide receives a ₱200,000 allocation, with ₱100,000 earmarked for educational assistance.
Each barangay selects five qualified graduating college students who will receive ₱20,000 each under the program.