Manila, Philippines – Amid the crisis faced by the Philippines in relation to oil prices, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the distribution of a P8-billion fund to 42,000 barangays in the country.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed this under the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” Program that started on March 24.
Under the program, each barangay will receive P200,000 to support local programs including educational, social, and economic projects.
Since the roll out, 5,000 barangays have received their grants, including Pilar, Bataan as latest recipients.
The first half of the fund, amounting to P100,000 will be used to fund projects like installation of street lights, CCTVs, and patrol vehicles to ensure safety and security among the locality.
This budget may also be used to purchase power generators for health and evacuation centers during calamity situations.
The remaining half of the fund will be provided for the finisher program to support graduating college students so that their graduation won’t be delayed amid the economic struggle.
The office of the President is in coordination with the Liga ng mga Barangay and the Department of Interior and Local Government to monitor implementation and distribution.
The roll out of the fund is expected to be completed by June, and must be utilized before the end of 2026.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News