1,575 Catanduanes scholars to get ‘finisher fund’ worth P31.5M

VIRAC, Catanduanes --- A total of 1,575 graduating college students in this island province will receive P31.5 million in financial assistance from the Office of the President (OP).

The assistance, known as a “finisher fund,” will provide each student with P20,000 under the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” initiative, which is funded by the OP’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund.

The funds can be used for tuition balances, learning materials, transportation, and other school-related expenses.

The 1,575 scholars will be selected from the province’s 315 barangays, with five students chosen from each barangay.

Deputy Executive Secretary Dennis Santiago stated that this assistance would support students facing financial difficulties during the final stages of their college education.

On October 5, Santiago led the turnover of P31.5 million for the presidential scholars and an additional P31.5 million for priority programs in 315 barangays at the Provincial Capitol Dome in Virac.

The ceremony was attended by barangay captains and presidents of the associations of barangay captains (ABC), as well as Governor Patrick Alain Azanza, provincial ABC federation president Honesto Lumabi, and Virac Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr., among other local officials.

Under the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program, each barangay received P200,000, totaling P63 million for the entire province. Of this amount, P100,000 per barangay is allocated for five “Presidential Scholars,” allowing each to receive P20,000 as educational assistance to cover expenses as graduating students.

In total, 1,575 graduating students will benefit from the P31.5 million in educational assistance.

The remaining P100,000 per barangay—totaling P31.5 million for the entire province—can be utilized by barangays for their priority programs, projects, and other needs of their constituents.

Santiago urged the 1,575 presidential scholars in Catanduanes to make good use of the assistance provided to them, ensuring they can continue and complete their studies.

He said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. views the youth as the nation’s hope, and that the scholars’ graduation will benefit them personally and allow them to contribute to their families, communities, and the country.

Santiago said that “the programs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration aim to bring government assistance and services closer to families who need them most, especially amidst high living costs.”

Santiago emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and local government units to ensure that programs are implemented effectively and that assistance truly reaches the communities.

He added that “the government’s work does not end with the allocation of funds; it is essential to see concrete results for the families, barangays, and students.”

In response, Azanza expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for Malacañang’s assistance under the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang program.

The governor said “the direct delivery of funds to the barangays is crucial, as they are the ones best positioned to select and decide which projects to prioritize, given that they are most familiar with the specific needs of their residents.”

Sarmiento also expressed his gratitude to the President for the programs and services provided by the national government to the municipality of Virac.

“This is the first time I have witnessed such an extensive level of support from Malacañang for the people of Catanduanes,” he said.

“Through this program, the government’s genuine concern is demonstrated—evidenced by the distribution of rice, the provision of scholarships, and other forms of assistance that reach communities directly,” Sarmiento added.

Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Alben Vergara of San Miguel, Baras, shared his appreciation to President Marcos, noting that his barangay has directly benefited from the support extended to the people of Catanduanes.

“The President’s scholarship program is a tremendous help to students—especially to families here who are working hard to meet their daily needs. Thank you very much, dear President BBM,” he concluded. (PIA Bicol/Catanduanes)