Bicol: Barangays in Albay are preparing to utilize their PHP200,000 financial assistance provided under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program for projects aimed at enhancing peace and order, as well as offering educational support to deserving students.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funding, sourced from the Office of the President's Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF), allocates PHP200,000 per barangay, with PHP100,000 dedicated to priority development initiatives based on local requirements, and the remaining PHP100,000 for educational assistance.
In a recent interview, Travesia Barangay Captain Miguel Manuel Garcia from Guinobatan town revealed plans to invest the PHP100,000 development allocation in acquiring a patrol vehicle, potentially an electric vehicle or e-bike, to curb gasoline costs. He expressed uncertainty over the approval of the vehicle type but emphasized the request's aim to reduce fuel expenses. The vehicle is intended for use by barangay tanods (village watchmen) during night patrols and for incident response within the community. The barangay has submitted the necessary project requirements and is awaiting approval for the vehicle.
Concerning educational assistance, Garcia mentioned that the barangay has shortlisted five candidates based on criteria set by the local council. Eligible applicants must not currently receive scholarships from the government or private entities and should be the first in their family to graduate from college. They must also be indigent students committed to completing their studies and enrolled as regular students.
Separately, Cabangan East Barangay Captain Engr. Fabian Batalla Jr. from Legaspi City also expressed gratitude to the President, highlighting how the program would financially support five deserving college graduates for the 2026-2027 academic year. He emphasized the relief this financial support brings, allowing students to pursue higher education without the burden of financial strain, thereby enabling them to focus on their studies.
In another interview, Pangilao Barangay Captain Angela Tuazon Tura from San Miguel, Catanduanes, praised President Marcos's initiative to provide financial aid to all barangays nationwide. Tura expressed appreciation for the assistance, particularly for scholars in need of financial help to complete their education, alleviating financial pressure on parents. For development projects, her council decided to allocate funds for purchasing two tents and 100 monoblock chairs, enhancing their barangay plaza's utility during events, especially in inclement weather. The council also intends to rent out the monoblock chairs to generate additional income for the barangay.
