Muntinlupa: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the simultaneous rollout of the 'Bawat Bayan Makikinabang' Program in four cities in Metro Manila, expanding government assistance for indigent and vulnerable households. The pilot implementation in Metro Manila is part of a broader effort to streamline the delivery of national programs in coordination with local government units (LGUs), ensuring that aid and development initiatives are immediately felt at the grassroots level.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos visited the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Pi±as, Para±aque, and Pasay to oversee the rollout, underscoring the administration's continued push to strengthen collaboration between the national and local governments in delivering social services closer to communities. In his remarks at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Marcos emphasized the importance of synchronized national and local government efforts in implementing public programs.

Marcos highlighted the initiative's aim to promote inclusive development and strengthen the localized delivery of social services through LGUs. Reflecting on his experience as a former governor of Ilocos Norte, he noted that firsthand experience at the local level is crucial in understanding public concerns. He remarked on the differences in governance roles at various levels, stressing the importance of addressing real issues and practical situations.

In Muntinlupa City, about 1,900 families were identified as pilot beneficiaries of the rice subsidy under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program. The initiative covers indigent and vulnerable households across all nine villages, with a broader rollout targeting 31,000 families citywide. Each barangay from the four cities also received PHP200,000 in cash assistance to support priority community projects and local initiatives, while five presidential scholars from each village received PHP20,000 each.