A total of 100 youth organizations from Albay province received a cash grant of PHP20,000 each for the ImpactVille Project’s Short-Term Measurable Initiative for Local Empowerment (SMILE) from the Ako Bicol party-list on Friday.

During the awarding ceremony held at St. Ellis Hotel, Aunel Ross Angcos, founder of ImpactVille Project SMILE, said the project aims to mobilize youth and strengthen their capabilities as youth leaders.

“The projects must be impactful and sustainable, with long-term effects on the community. The cash grant will be disbursed in two tranches. The first tranche will be provided before the implementation of the project, and the second tranche will be given one week after the project begins,” he said.

“After the release of funds, organizations will implement their projects for one month, and then we will select the Top 10. We will organize a camp, bringing in mentors to help with the sustainable implementation of their projects.”

Angcos said the target project timeline is from Feb. 17 to March 17, during which they will choose the best 10 projects to continue.

“It is essential that the projects fit within the PHP20,000 budget and create a positive impact in their barangays. We want them to start their initiatives and provide feedback on how the project affects their communities,” he said.

The program reached youth organizations from 11 municipalities.

“While the grant amount may be small, we aim to see how these organizations creatively utilize the aid to generate meaningful change in their communities,” Angcos added.

Out of 144 submitted proposals, only 100 organizations will proceed to implement their projects, which include initiatives in gardening, farming, and small businesses, among others.

Meanwhile, AKB made this year’s Valentine’s Day extra special for Albayanos as they officially launched their election campaign on Friday, with a proclamation rally at the Sawangan Park, Legazpi City, featuring celebrity Jericho Rosales and the Orange & Lemons band. (PNA)