Over 200 presidential scholars get P20K aid

CEBU, Philippines — Over 200 students from Cebu City have each received educational assistance under the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program in a ceremony held late last week at the Cordova Sports Complex in Poblacion, Cordova.

Under the program, each beneficiary will receive P20,000.

“Kapin 200 ka mga batan-ong Cebuano gikan sa Cebu City ang nakadawat og P20,000 educational assistance isip kabahin sa Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program,” Mayor Nestor Archival said in a post.

The rollout formed part of the program dubbed Bawat Barangay Makikinabang, which aims to deliver government services directly to barangays and communities.

“Kini nga tabang makatabang sa ilang school needs ug makapahupay gamay sa gasto sa mga pamilyang naningkamot nga mapadayon ang pag-eskwela sa ilang mga anak,” said Archival.

“Para nato, ang suporta sa edukasyon dili lang kutob sa financial assistance. It also means giving our young Cebuanos more opportunities to learn, grow, and work toward their dreams,” he added.

The assistance is targeted at incoming fourth-year or graduating college students, particularly those from families in need of additional support and those at risk of dropping out.

It was also just last month when Cebu City’s 80 barangays received P200,000 each under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) of the Office of the President. Half of that allocation was earmarked for education, specifically for five scholars per barangay, while the other half was set aside for social service equipment such as tents and chairs.

Barangay captains were tasked with selecting deserving students, prioritizing those from poor households, in line with national guidelines.

The SCPF has long been used to support local governments through scholarships, health stations, livelihood projects, and small-scale infrastructure.

In Cebu City, barangays have previously tapped the fund for road concreting, solar lighting, and multipurpose gyms.

Archival has consistently looked into these efforts as part of his administration’s vision for a Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Cebu 2035, with education and youth empowerment at the center of that long-term agenda.

“Sa atong mga scholars, padayon sa inyong pagpaningkamot ug gamita kini nga oportunidad aron makab-ot ang inyong mga pangandoy,” Archival said