President Marcos said the government is correcting the misuse of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) by directing resources straight to local governments and communities under the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program.
In a speech on the program’s launch in General Trias, Cavite, on Monday, May 4, the President said the move ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose and benefit ordinary Filipinos.
“Sa nakakaraan, hindi po nagagamit ito masyado at kung saan-saan napupunta ‘yang pondong ‘yan (In the past, this was not fully utilized, and the funds were going to various places),” he said.
“Kaya sabi ko, siguro panahon na na gamitin natin sa tama ‘yung LGSF (So I said, perhaps it is time to use the LGSF properly),” he added.
Marcos said funds are now being distributed directly to provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
“Ang ginawa po namin ay lahat ng probinsya, lahat ng lungsod, lahat ng mga bayan ay kukuha po tayo dun sa pondong ‘yan at ipinamimigay natin sa ating mga local government officials (What we did is ensure that all provinces, cities, and municipalities receive funds from this and we distribute them to local government officials),” he said.
Rice aid rollout
The President said the program includes regular rice distribution to beneficiaries identified by local governments.
“Itong 10 kilo na bigas ay magbibigay kami ng anim na beses kada taon (We will provide this 10 kilos of rice six times a year),” he said.
“Bawat dalawang buwan may 10 kilo ng bigas (Every two months, there will be 10 kilos of rice),” he added.
He said this aims to ensure food security for families affected by rising costs.
Scholarship component
Marcos said part of the funding will also support education through scholarships, emphasizing the importance of education in nation-building.
Each barangay will receive P200,000, with half allocated to five scholars who will each receive P20,000.
“Napakahalaga ang magandang edukasyon (A good education is very important),” he said.
“‘Yan ang tutulong sa inyo habang buhay (That will help you for life),” he added.
Cushion vs oil crisis
Marcos said the program comes at a crucial time as global oil prices rise due to tensions in the Middle East.
“Pag tumaas ang presyo ng langis, sasabay ‘yung ibang mga bilihin (When fuel prices rise, other goods follow),” he said.
He noted that while the program was not created because of the crisis, it now helps cushion its impact.
PGH in Cavite
The President also announced plans to build a 200-bed Philippine General Hospital (PGH) facility in Carmona, Cavite.
“Magkakaroon tayo ng… 200 beds na PGH sa Carmona (We will have a 200-bed PGH in Carmona),” he said.
Call for unity
Marcos urged local officials and communities to work together to ensure the success of government programs.
“Pagka maayos ang ugnayan ng local government at saka national government, maraming-marami pong nagagawa (When coordination between local and national government is good, much can be achieved),” he said.
“Magbayanihan po tayo (Let us practice bayanihan),” he added.
Possible expansion
The President said the program is currently being piloted and could be expanded next year if proven effective.
“Kung mapaganda natin… pipilitin natin na sa susunod na taon, lalakihan pa natin ang pondo (If we improve this, we will try to increase the funding next year),” he said.
The “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program is part of the administration’s effort to deliver direct assistance to communities, combining food aid, local funding support, and education assistance under a unified framework.
