President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded a comprehensive social service and financial aid distribution program on Friday, marking a significant step in the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.
Under the theme “Sa Matatag na Batangas, Maunlad ang Bagong Pilipinas,” the event delivered essential goods and long-term educational support to thousands of Batangueños.
Accompanied by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, the President formally launched the “Sa Batangas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program at the Batangas Province Events Center (BPEC).
Central to the event was the ceremonial distribution of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). President Marcos announced that each of the 1,078 barangays in the province will receive PhP 200,000 in financial assistance.
The fund is divided into two strategic allocations:
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Infrastructure & Security (PhP 100,000): Earmarked for capital outlay, including patrol vehicles, computer sets, streetlights, and CCTV installations to improve local services.
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Education (PhP 100,000): Dedicated to the “Presidential Scholars” program, providing PhP 20,000 each to five deserving students per barangay. “Our local governments are the frontliners of service,” President Marcos stated. “No matter how good a national program is, it is the hard work of the barangays that ensures the people actually feel the benefits.”
Addressing the rising cost of commodities, the President led the distribution of rice to over 235,000 beneficiaries, including farmers, fisherfolk, and teachers.
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Regular Support: Each beneficiary received 10 kilos of rice.
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Frequency: The program is designed to provide this subsidy six times a year.
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National Impact: Approximately PhP 15 billion has already been distributed nationwide under the LGSF for rice subsidies.
During a meeting with the beneficiaries of the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF), President Marcos emphasized that the scholarship program is an investment in the country’s future leaders.
“The Philippines cannot shine if our youth do not shine,” the President told the scholars. “This is a small way for us to ensure that qualified and deserving students can graduate and take over when the time comes.”
Governor Vilma Santos-Recto expressed her gratitude for the swift implementation of the LGSF, noting that the strong ties between the provincial and national governments are the key to efficient service delivery. The Governor previously attended the program’s initial Malacañang launch on February 23, 2026, to ensure Batangas was ready for immediate implementation.
The Socio-Civic Projects Fund, administered by the Office of the Executive Secretary, continues to serve as a rapid-response mechanism to address community needs and fuel provincial development.
