KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday turned over a ₱40-million financial assistance package to the Provincial Government of South Cotabato to support the province’s scholarship program and fund priority development projects in 200 barangays.
The financial assistance forms part of the national government’s continuing efforts to ensure that government programs directly benefit local communities and provide opportunities for young Filipinos to pursue their education.
According to President Marcos, each barangay will receive ₱200,000, with the allocation specifically designed to support educational assistance and community development needs.
Under the program, five identified scholars from each barangay will receive ₱20,000 each, amounting to ₱100,000 per barangay dedicated to scholarship assistance.
The scholarship grants are intended to help deserving students continue their studies and lessen the financial burden on their families.
The remaining ₱100,000 per barangay will be allocated to financial assistance for identified barangay development priorities.
These funds may be used for small-scale community projects, local infrastructure improvements, social services, or other programs deemed essential by barangay officials to address the specific needs of their constituents.
President Marcos emphasized that empowering local communities through education and development investments is an important component of nation-building.
He noted that when opportunities are brought closer to the people, communities become stronger and more capable of contributing to the country’s overall progress.
The program is expected to directly benefit thousands of residents across South Cotabato, particularly students who face financial challenges in pursuing higher education.
Meanwhile, Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for the generous assistance extended to the province.
Governor Tamayo thanked the President for his continued commitment to ensuring that government support reaches the grassroots level and benefits ordinary citizens.
“Mahal na Pangulo maraming salamat! Ito palang ang simula at na tinitiyak na mag tuloy-tuloy na maibaba ang pundo mula sa National Government pa punta sa mga Local Government aside sa National tax allotment meron ang mga local government units,” Tamayo said.
Provincial officials also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the national government and local government units in implementing programs that create meaningful and lasting impacts on communities.
The ₱40 million assistance package is among the many programs being implemented through the partnership of the national government and local governments to ensure that projects and services reach communities efficiently.
