All 559 villages in Ilocos Norte received PHP200,000 each on Tuesday from the national government’s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) program to fund priority projects and community-based initiatives.

During the check distribution at the capitol, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the PHP111.8 million direct financial support, enabling them to identify and implement projects based on the communities’ most pressing needs.

Provincial Association of Barangay Councils president Ryan John Pascua said the funding can help villages undertake projects that improve basic services, community facilities, livelihood opportunities, infrastructure, and other initiatives that directly benefit residents.

“We are grateful for this direct assistance from the national government. It allows us to respond more effectively to the barangays’ specific needs,” he said in an interview.

Of the PHP200,000 allotted to each barangay, 50 percent or PHP100,000 will fund development projects, while the other half will fund scholarship grants to five students based on the eligibility criteria.

Roque Benjamin Ablan III, president of Liga ng mga Barangay in Laoag City, said the funds will be used to purchase additional computers, a printer and a projector to support community services and learning.

Five scholars from among the poorest families were selected to help ensure that their education continues through college.

“Our heartfelt gratitude to our President Bongbong Marcos. It is only under your administration that this kind of support has been extended to barangays nationwide,” he said. (PNA)