When the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, an initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reached Barangay Aulo in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, it brought more than government assistance. It brought a responsibility: to identify the students who needed the support most.
Under the program, each barangay receives ₱200,000, with ₱100,000 allocated to provide educational assistance worth ₱20,000 each to five Presidential Scholars, while the remaining ₱100,000 funds community-identified projects. Selecting the scholarship beneficiaries was left in the hands of local officials.
Beyond the application
For Barangay Chairperson Gerry Andasan, selecting the five scholarship recipients was never simply about filling five slots. It meant looking beyond the applications and recognizing the realities behind each one.
Andasan explained that while applicants were required to submit their certificates of enrollment and academic records, the barangay placed greater weight on their family’s financial situation. Priority was given to students from vulnerable households, families without a stable source of income, and those where no family member had yet earned a college degree.
“Ang kailangan natin [piliin] ‘yong talagang walang pinagkukunan (We need to choose those who truly have no resources),” he stressed.
The barangay’s responsibility, however, did not end after the selection process. Andasan said they would continue monitoring the scholars’ academic progress through monthly meetings and updates on their school records to ensure that the assistance remains meaningful and helps them stay on track with their studies.
One of the students identified as needing the assistance was 22-year-old Nierheyza Andasan, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education student at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial College. Coming from a family that relies solely on her father’s construction work, she said the scholarship would help ease the financial burden of transportation expenses, instructional materials, uniforms, and other school requirements.
She shared that financial difficulties had once made her consider stopping her studies. The educational assistance, however, strengthened her hope of completing her degree and fulfilling her dream of helping her family.
Nierheyza expressed her gratitude to President Marcos for the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program. She described the assistance as an opportunity for students from financially challenged families to continue pursuing their dreams.
“Makakatulong po talaga na matupad ‘yong pangarap ng mga estudyante, lalo na po ‘yong mga hindi po talaga kaya. Malaking tulong po ito para sa amin (This will truly help students achieve their dreams, especially those who are struggling financially. It is a great help to us),” she said.
A broader impact
The Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program’s impact extends beyond educational assistance.
The remaining ₱100,000 allocated for barangay development provides local officials with additional resources to address community needs. According to Andasan, Barangay Aulo plans to use the fund to purchase tables, chairs, tents, and other equipment for community activities and public gatherings. Other proposed purchases include CCTV units, subject to compliance with existing government procurement guidelines.
Andasan voiced hope that the program would continue, noting that it helps students finish their education and provides support for the needs of barangays. He likewise thanked President Marcos for bringing the initiative to local communities.
“Sa ating mahal na Pangulo, bilang Punong Barangay ng Barangay Aulo, Palayan City, ay nagpapasalamat po ako ng taos-puso sa inyong naging inisyatiba na maibaba ang programang ito sa mga barangay, para sa mga bata na nangangailangan ng panggastos sa kanilang pagtatapos ng pag-aaral (To our beloved President, as the Barangay Chairperson of Barangay Aulo, Palayan City, I sincerely thank you for your initiative in bringing this program to the barangays to help students who need financial support to finish their education),” he said.
In Barangay Aulo, the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program is more than providing assistance—it is about ensuring that support reaches the students and families who need it most. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
