The Office of the Executive Secretary announced a nationwide initiative granting ₱200,000 to each of the country’s 42,000 barangays under the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program, combining education assistance and local development support.

In an interview on DZRH’s Special on Saturday, Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Georgina Hernandez-Yang said the funding comes from the Social Civic Projects Fund of the Office of the President and is intended to speed up delivery of government assistance at the community level.

She said half of the ₱200,000 allocation per barangay will go to educational assistance for college students, while the remaining half will fund basic barangay equipment and services.

Under the education component, five graduating college students per barangay will each receive ₱20,000 in financial assistance, totaling about 200,000 scholars nationwide.

The program will prioritize vulnerable students, including those from families experiencing income loss, unemployment, or underemployment, and those without a college graduate in the household.

The assistance may be used for tuition in private institutions or other school-related expenses such as transportation, projects, and supplies. Students in both private and state universities and colleges are eligible.

The other ₱100,000 per barangay will be used for local government needs such as solar streetlights, patrol vehicles, CCTV systems, monoblock chairs, tents, and office equipment to improve public service delivery.

Undersecretary Hernandez-Yang said the program follows the directive of Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who has been coordinating with the Liga ng mga Barangay to ensure implementation.

She said the government targets full release of funds by June 30, 2026, but emphasized strict documentary requirements, including a notarized deed of donation, barangay resolution, list of scholars, request letters, and identification of the barangay captain before funds are released.

Officials said coordination with local government units is ongoing to ensure compliance and complete distribution, with the goal of reaching all barangays nationwide.

The initiative is part of the administration’s broader effort to improve access to education and strengthen grassroots services amid economic pressures affecting Filipino families.