By Lane Afable, News Editor
Aspiring young Filipinos—including future professionals in architecture, business, and law enforcement—are among the scholars of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bawat Bayan Makikinabang scholarship program, giving them greater opportunities to pursue their education and contribute to nation-building in the future.
President Marcos on Wednesday led the rollout of scholarships in Pasay City, reaffirming his vision of a nation where no Filipino goes hungry and every young person has the chance to pursue an education.
Among the beneficiaries is Charles Alonso Facundo, a 4th-year Architecture student at Adamson University. With his parents working hard to support their four children, Facundo said the scholarship eases the burden of the costs of materials and projects.
“Malaking tulong po talaga ang scholarship dahil financially matutulungan kami,” Facundo shared.
Charlene Joyce Ducalang, the eldest of six, is pursuing Business Administration at Philippine Christian University, Manila.
“Very helpful lalo na sa mga scholars, especially needed po yung scholarship na ‘yun. Siguro po, mababalik ko rin ang tulong sa pagtulong sa community at sa pag-aaral ng mabuti,” Ducalang said.
For Tristan Jerecho Mendoza, a Criminology student from Barangay 134, the scholarship is a step toward his dream of becoming a police officer and lawyer.
“Ang tulong pong maibibigay ng gobyerno sa akin ay doon ko po ibabawi sa pagtulong ko sa bayan kapag naging pulis na po ako,” Mendoza affirmed.
President Marcos emphasized that scholarships are part of his broader mission to uplift lives and prepare the youth to lead the nation.
“Ito po ay aming ginagawa upang tiyakin, unang-una na may pagkain ang ating mga kababayan at pangalawa upang tiyakin na kahit papaano mayroon tayong natutulungan na scholar para sila pagdating ng panahon na sila na ang magseserbisyo, sila na ang mamumuno, sila na ang magpapatakbo ng Pilipinas, sila naman ay handa,” the President said.
The Pasay City rollout highlights the administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and building a brighter future for Filipino families.
