CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Fifty-eight barangays from five municipalities in Pampanga received a total of P11.6 million in financial assistance under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program.
The assistance forms part of the P101-million Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) turned over by President Marcos to the Provincial Government of Pampanga during his visit to Clark on May 14.
Under the program, each barangay receives P200,000. Half of the amount, or P100,000, is allotted for scholarship grants for five college students, while the remaining P100,000 is earmarked for priority projects identified by barangay officials.
President Marcos Jr. said the initiative seeks to address both educational needs and community development concerns by empowering barangays to determine how best to use the assistance.
“What we did was give P200,000 to each barangay. We asked barangay officials to allocate half of the amount, or P100,000, for scholarships. Each barangay will provide five scholarship grants worth P20,000 each,” he said.
The first batch of beneficiaries covered 10 barangays in Sta. Rita, 14 in Sta. Ana, 12 in Apalit, 15 in Minalin, and seven in Santo Tomas.
Marcos Jr. emphasized that the scholarship component aims to help financially challenged students complete their education and improve their chances of securing better opportunities in the future.
“What I always advise is to identify students who are about to graduate but may not be able to finish their studies because they lack financial resources or need to work. This assistance is meant to help them earn their diploma,” he said.
Meanwhile, the remaining P100,000 may be used for projects and equipment that will enhance barangay operations and service delivery, such as CCTV cameras, patrol vehicles, lighting facilities, and office equipment.
The President underscored the importance of giving local leaders the flexibility to prioritize projects that respond to the specific needs of their communities.
“Because you know the needs of your communities and barangays, and you also know how to address those concerns. That is why we decided to entrust the funds to barangay leaders,” he said.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda welcomed the assistance, saying it will help barangays address local concerns while supporting deserving students in pursuing higher education.
The Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program forms part of the Marcos administration’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots development, expand access to education, and empower local government units to deliver responsive and inclusive public services.
The Provincial Government of Pampanga assured that all funds released under the program will be subject to proper auditing procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective implementation. (Mark Anthony G. Pangan)
