ANGELES CITY – Living up to its very name, the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program is making a big difference in Barangay Ninoy Aquino here, with indigent students receiving educational assistance and residents gaining access to improved community services.
Receiving P200,000 in assistance, barangay chair John Terry O. Halili said the program has provided vital support to the barangay, particularly in light of its limited resources.
“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ating Pangulo [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] dahil malaking tulong ito para sa mga barangay, lalo na sa aming barangay na hindi naman kalakihan ang national tax allotment. Malaking tulong po talaga ito sa aming komunidad,” he said.
Half of the assistance amount was allocated for scholarship grants benefiting five students from indigent families who have demonstrated determination to continue their studies despite financial hardships. Among them is Rhyza Mae Diangson, a second-year student at the City College of Angeles whose educational journey has been shaped by perseverance and sacrifice.
Raised by her mother, Edwina, Rhyza grew up witnessing the challenges faced by a family struggling to make ends meet. Nearly 11 years ago, Edwina lost her husband to kidney disease and has since carried the responsibility of raising her eight children on her own.
Despite limited income and mounting expenses, she remained committed to ensuring that her children could continue their education.
“Ngayon lang po nangyari sa buhay ko na matulungan kami nang ganito. Noon, kailangan na kailangan ko ang tulong. Ngayong college na ang anak ko, natutulungan ako ng gobyerno. Lubos akong nagpapasalamat kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos,” Edwina said.
She said the scholarship has eased some of the family’s financial burden and given her daughter greater confidence in pursuing her dream of earning a college degree.
According to Halili, the barangay carefully selected beneficiaries based on both need and academic commitment to ensure that the assistance reaches students who can benefit most from the opportunity.
Beyond educational assistance, the program has also enabled the barangay to improve its capacity to serve residents. The remaining P100,000 will be used to purchase additional chairs and tents that can be utilized during barangay activities, community events, and funeral services, reducing costs for residents who may need such facilities during important occasions.
For the barangay chief, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that development programs reach communities at the grassroots level and respond to the needs of ordinary Filipinos.
As one of thousands of barangays nationwide benefiting from the BBM Program, Barangay Ninoy Aquino has witnessed firsthand how targeted government assistance can create meaningful change—from helping students remain in school to strengthening the services available to local residents. Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA-3
