Cavite: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto led the distribution of financial assistance to 770 villages across Cavite's 22 cities and municipalities under the Marcos administration's 'Bawat Barangay Makikinabang' program. Under the initiative, every barangay receives PHP200,000, with half going to the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars Program, which provides Php20,000 each to five incoming fourth-year college students.

According to Philippines News Agency, Recto addressed barangay officials during the turnover on Friday, emphasizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s belief that education is key to helping families overcome poverty. Recto stated, "The President believes that education is the key for a family, as well as a country, to rise from poverty. That is why he wants every barangay to have college graduates," as quoted in a news release Sunday.

The other PHP100,000 is allocated to support development priorities such as solar streetlights, patrol and emergency equipment, disaster risk reduction equipment, and other public service needs. Recto urged barangay officials to ensure transparency and accountability in using the funds. "The President directly entrusted these funds to you because you are the ones on the ground every day," he said, stressing the importance of the officials' roles in understanding the real priorities and needs of their communities.

The program is being implemented nationwide, with all 42,010 villages scheduled to receive PHP200,000 each under the implementing guidelines.