MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday led the "Bawat Bayan Makikinabang" (Every Town Will Benefit) initiative in Negros Oriental to bring government assistance closer to communities and strengthen food security, education, and service delivery to families in need.
"We are here to monitor and see what is happening with our program, 'Bawat Bayan na Makikinabang (BBM),'" the President said in Filipino.
He reaffirmed the administration's continuous support for the Negrenses, especially for families in need and youth striving in their studies, to provide them a more stable livelihood and better opportunities.
"Huwag ninyo pong iisipin ng ngayon lang ‘yan. Hangga’t nangangailangan ang ating mga kababayan, hangga’t mayroon pang kailangan alagaan, alalayan, tulungan, ay ibibigay po natin lahat ng ating kakayahan upang tumulong, upang mapaganda ang inyong buhay (Don't think this is just a one-time thing. For as long as our countrymen are in need, for as long as there is someone who needs to be cared for, supported, and helped, we will give everything we can to assist and to make your lives better)," Marcos said.
Marcos oversaw the distribution of 10 kilos of rice to beneficiaries under the local government support fund rice assistance program.
Under the rice program a total of 2,230 beneficiaries comprising farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, laborers and other low-income earners will receive 10 kilos of rice every two months or six times a year to help ensure food security among vulnerable sectors.
Marcos also met with 15 presidential scholars representing 250 recipients from Dumaguete City, Valencia and Bacong in Negros Oriental. Each scholar received 20,000 in financial assistance from the socio-civic projects fund.
The Palace said 2,785 scholars from 557 barangays (villages) in Negros Oriental are expected to benefit from the BBM program.
