President Bongbong Marcos launched the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang welfare program on Sunday, aiming to address longstanding concerns about the misuse of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). The initiative, unveiled in General Trias, Cavite, consolidates rice aid, scholarships, and direct cash allocations under a framework designed to improve transparency and efficiency.
Marcos acknowledged the history of LGSF funds being underused or misdirected, which has led to mismanagement in previous years. “In the past, this was not fully utilized, and the funds were going to various places,” Marcos said. By consolidating aid into one program, the government hopes to ensure that funds reach their intended communities.
Under the program, each barangay will receive P200,000, with half earmarked for scholarships. Five scholars per barangay will receive P20,000 each. The remaining funds will be directed toward local development, with provinces, cities, and municipalities also identified as recipients under the program’s framework. This approach aims to address educational needs and local infrastructure support.
In addition to the financial aid, the program includes rice distribution. Households will receive 10 kilos of rice six times a year, about once every two months. Marcos tied this to global fuel price volatility, explaining that rising oil costs often lead to price increases in basic goods. “When fuel prices rise, other goods follow,” he noted, linking the rice aid to efforts to mitigate these rising costs.
Marcos also acknowledged LGSF’s challenges, stating, “The funds were not being used properly and were diverted elsewhere.” He framed the program as a shift toward more accountable use of government resources, emphasizing this initiative as a step toward better governance.
The Bawat Barangay Makikinabang program is currently a pilot, with plans to assess its success and expand funding in 2027. “If we improve it, we will try to increase the funding next year,” Marcos said. Alongside the welfare program, he also announced plans to build a 200-bed Philippine General Hospital (PGH) facility in Carmona, Cavite, as part of regional development initiatives.
