PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated his commitment to increase the budget for the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) next year if its implementation becomes successful.
Speaking during the turnover of SCPF financial assistance to Cagayan province on Friday, Marcos said the government would allocate more funds in the 2027 budget should the program run smoothly.
“If this program runs well, if we are able to spread the benefits widely across different areas, you can expect that when the 2027 budget comes, we will increase the budget to make it even larger,” Marcos said.
“Your government is here, always supporting you, listening to you. If you have a grievance, if you need something, if you have something to say, just tell us, and we will listen,” he added.
The president also encouraged presidential scholars in Cagayan to take full advantage of their scholarships for their own benefit, as well as for their families and communities.
He said that what is important is that the Filipino youth is ready for the future, particularly in serving the people.
“So that we may leave the Philippines in good hands. That is why your scholarship is very important,” Marcos said.
During Friday’s ceremonial turnover of SCPF financial assistance, each of Cagayan’s 820 barangay (villages) received on P200,000 through the provincial governor, Tuguegarao City mayor, Provincial Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president and Tuguegarao City ABC president.
As of May 14, SCPF-Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program has released checks of P200,000 each to 7,933 villages, totaling P1.59 billion.
The P100,000 is intended for barangay-identified development priority projects such as public services, administrative and office equipment, streetlighting, and disaster risk reduction and management.
The remaining P100,000 is allotted to support five Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars per barangay, with each scholar receiving P20,000.
