Malacañang gave the assurance yesterday that the government’s development support would benefit all of the country’s 42,011 barangays.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said each barangay would receive P200,000 under the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program.
‘This is a non-political program. It is for the people. No political color, non-partisan, and no one will be left behind,’ Recto said in Filipino.
He denied the claim of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste that 84 barangays in Nasugbu and Taal were denied assistance for political reasons.
‘If there are barangays that haven’t received it yet, it’s because they lack documents, not because of politics. As soon as they complete their requirements, the support will come. It is that simple,’ Recto said.
He said that P100,000 of the cash assistance may be used for development and safety projects such as street lighting, patrol vehicles, CCTVs and power generators for health centers and evacuation facilities.
The rest will fund a ‘finisher program’ for graduating college students to ensure that their education is not disrupted by economic shocks, including those stemming from global crises, he added.
At a press briefing yesterday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the requirements are necessary for Commission on Audit reports.
‘Please complete all the requirements and don’t be dragged into politics. All of you will receive aid,’ Castro said.
Meanwhile, President Marcos led a rice distribution activity to farmers and vulnerable sectors in Roxas City in Capiz, as part of the administration’s continuing efforts to help communities cope with the effects of rising food and fuel prices.
Marcos also spearheaded the mass oath-taking of more than 8,000 newly promoted teachers and school heads from Western Visayas, marking the largest under the Expanded Career Progression System.