Iloilo: The national government has allocated PHP344 million under the 'Bawat Barangay Makikinabang' program for the 1,721 barangays in Iloilo province. This was announced by the provincial government on Monday afternoon, following a meeting between Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Federation President Amalia Victoria Debuque in preparation for the distribution of funds.

According to Philippines News Agency, the release of the fund will be coursed through the provincial government. Each barangay will receive PHP200,000, a combination of educational assistance and local development support, as reported by the capitol. Half of the assistance will be allotted for educational aid, benefiting five college students per barangay, with each scholar receiving PHP20,000. Priority will be given to graduating or college senior students, particularly those from low-income families, households affected by unemployment or underemployment, and families without a college graduate. Students in both private and state universities and colleges are eligible.

Barangays can utilize the remaining amount for projects and equipment such as solar streetlights, CCTV cameras, patrol vehicles, disaster response equipment, office equipment, tents, monoblock chairs, and other public service and disaster risk reduction and management initiatives aimed at improving frontline community services.

Defensor, Debuque, and select members of the provincial finance committee are set to travel to Manila on May 28 to formalize the downloading of funds, which is expected to be released to recipients on July 19 during the Iloilo Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay Day.