A government program designed to bring direct benefits to communities is making a difference in Barangay Ninoy Aquino, where indigent students are receiving educational assistance and residents are gaining access to improved community services.
Through President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program, Barangay Ninoy Aquino received P200,000 in assistance, enabling the village to support deserving students and address local community needs.
For Punong Barangay John Terry O. Halili, the program has provided vital support to the barangay, particularly in light of its limited resources.
“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ating Pangulo dahil malaking tulong ito para sa mga barangay, lalo na sa aming barangay na hindi naman kalakihan ang national tax allotment. Malaking tulong po talaga ito sa aming komunidad,” he said.
Half of the assistance amount was allocated for scholarship grants benefiting five students from indigent families who have demonstrated determination to continue their studies despite financial hardships.
Among them is Rhyza Mae Diangson, a second-year student at the City College of Angeles whose educational journey has been shaped by perseverance and sacrifice.
Raised by her mother, Edwina, Rhyza grew up witnessing the challenges faced by a family struggling to make ends meet.
Nearly 11 years ago, Edwina lost her husband to kidney disease and has since carried the responsibility of raising her eight children on her own.
Despite limited income and mounting expenses, she remained committed to ensuring that her children could continue their education.
“Ngayon lang po nangyari sa buhay ko na matulungan kami nang ganito. Noon, kailangan na kailangan ko ang tulong. Ngayong college na ang anak ko, natutulungan ako ng gobyerno. Lubos akong nagpapasalamat kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos,” Edwina said.
She said the scholarship has eased some of the family’s financial burden and given her daughter greater confidence in pursuing her dream of earning a college degree.
According to Halili, the barangay carefully selected beneficiaries based on both need and academic commitment to ensure that the assistance reaches students who can benefit most from the opportunity.
“Pinili namin ang mga indigent na kabarangay na medyo nahihirapan sa buhay at nakikita naming talagang nagsisikap para makatapos ng pag-aaral,” he said.
Beyond educational assistance, the program has also enabled the barangay to improve its capacity to serve residents. The remaining P100,000 will be used to purchase additional chairs and tents that can be utilized during barangay activities, community events, and funeral services.
Halili said these equipment will help improve the delivery of services within the community while reducing costs for residents who may need such facilities during important occasions.
“Malaking tulong ito para sa ating mga kabarangay. Magagamit ang mga upuan at tent sa mga programa ng barangay, mga pagtitipon, at maging sa mga pamilyang nangangailangan sa panahon ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” he explained.
For the barangay chief, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that development programs reach communities at the grassroots level and respond to the needs of ordinary Filipinos.
“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ating Pangulo [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.]. Malaking tulong ito sa aming barangay, lalo na’t hindi naman kalakihan ang aming national tax allotment. Sana ay mas marami pa pong matulungan ang programang ito,” Halili said.
As one of thousands of barangays nationwide benefiting from the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, Barangay Ninoy Aquino has witnessed firsthand how targeted government assistance can create meaningful change—from helping students remain in school to strengthening the services available to local residents.
For families like the Diangsons, the program represents more than financial support. It is an opportunity to pursue a brighter future, proving that with the right assistance, aspirations once hindered by hardship can become attainable realities.
