Bacolod: All 601 barangays in Negros Occidental received a total of PHP120.2 million in financial assistance under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program. During the ceremonial turnover at the Panaad Park and Stadium, Cabinet Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Assistant Secretary Rea Uy Epistola handed the symbolic check from the Office of the President to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Board Member Richard Julius Sablan of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

According to Philippines News Agency, each village received PHP200,000 from the Presidential Assistance to Barangays under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund. The program allots half of the amount, or PHP100,000, for educational aid of presidential scholars, with five graduating college students set to receive PHP20,000 each.

In his message, Abalos noted that when he assumed his post two weeks ago, the President's directive was to make government programs more accessible to the Filipino people. He highlighted the significance of the program, emphasizing the provision of educational support and additional funds through the Local Government Support Fund of local government units (LGUs), directly from Malaca±ang.

Abalos addressed the barangay scholars, emphasizing the role of education in shaping their future and that of their families. Gov. Lacson urged barangay officials to utilize the assistance with integrity, transparency, and accountability, aiming for direct benefits to the people. He encouraged unity towards the prosperity of the province and the nation.

Board Member Sablan described the turnover as more than a ceremonial event, viewing it as a testament to unity and the promise of a brighter future for the barangays. He expressed hope that the program would bring opportunities to the youth and empower barangay leaders to address the urgent needs of families and communities effectively.