Manila: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto assured students that the Marcos administration will continue to expand scholarships and educational assistance nationwide to help more Filipinos finish college and secure better opportunities. Speaking to presidential scholars during his visit to Cebu on Thursday, Recto said financial hardship should not force students to abandon their education.

According to Philippines News Agency, Recto emphasized the President's confidence in the scholars as he addressed them. 'Malaki ang tiwala ng Pangulo sa inyo kaya kayo ang napiling maging (The President has great confidence in you, which is why you were chosen to be) presidential scholars,' Recto told the students. He further urged them to study diligently, complete their courses, and use their acquired knowledge to help others in the future.

Under the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program, five fourth-year college students in every village will receive PHP20,000 each in financial assistance. This year, 210,000 students in more than 42,000 villages nationwide are expected to benefit from the program. Each village has a PHP200,000 allocation from the Presidential Socio-Civic Projects Fund, with PHP100,000 earmarked for assistance to the five presidential scholars.

Cebu City stands out with 5,330 scholars from its 1,066 barangays. Recto stated that the program is part of the government's broader effort to expand access to education, covering free basic education and tuition in state universities and colleges, as well as scholarships for medicine, science, graduate studies, specialized courses, and other fields. He highlighted that every scholar who graduates from college is an investment not only in their individual future but also in their families and communities.