President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the rollout of the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” Program in Pampanga as part of the government’s push to strengthen local governance and expand direct assistance to vulnerable communities.
Joining Marcos during the event were Pampanga Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Pampanga Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) chair and Board Member Dr. Benjamin Angeles, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II and Angeles City ABC chair Danilo Nacu.
During the program, Marcos announced that 505 barangays in Pampanga and 33 barangays in Angeles City would each receive PHP200,000 in assistance under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF).
Under the initiative, half of the allocation or PHP100,000 per barangay will be earmarked for scholarships intended for students at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties.
Each barangay will then select five scholars who will receive PHP20,000 each.
Twenty-two ABC presidents attended the ceremonial turnover of checks representing their respective barangays, while around 400 scholars joined the orientation activity.
Marcos said the program aims to empower barangays by giving local governments resources for community-based initiatives and essential public services.
The administration also continued its food security initiatives through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) Rice Distribution Program, with 1,500 Aeta beneficiaries receiving rice assistance during the event.
The broader rice distribution program is expected to benefit 187,455 individuals from marginalized sectors in Pampanga, including persons with disabilities, cancer and dialysis patients, Indigenous Peoples, coastal residents, Bantay Bayan members, farm workers, solo parents, construction workers, household helpers and other indigent communities.
The President also cited key LGSF-funded projects in Pampanga amounting to nearly PHP396 million.
These include the 2023 procurement of 21 ambulance units worth PHP50 million; the 2024 construction of a multipurpose diagnostic building in Lubao valued at PHP50 million; a PHP10-million educational assistance and scholarship program; and the 2026 food assistance and rice distribution project worth PHP286 million.
The provincial government of Pampanga thanked the national government for the continued support for Kapampangans through various LGSF-funded projects and programs. (PNA)
