The Bawat Barangay Makikinabang program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is creating opportunities for students and strengthening disaster preparedness efforts in Barangay Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga demonstrating how targeted interventions can bring tangible benefits to local communities.
Through this assistance extended to the village, local officials implemented projects aimed at addressing both educational needs and community resilience, ensuring that the support generates long-term impact for residents.
Dolores Barangay Captain Allan Patio disclosed that part of the aid was allocated to provide scholarships to five deserving students from financially challenged families.
“We are grateful because these projects will greatly help our constituents, especially those who are struggling,” he said.
Creating opportunities for students
The scholarship beneficiaries were selected based on academic performance and financial need, giving them an opportunity to continue their studies despite economic hardships.
Among them is John Bryan Fajardo, an incoming 4th year nursing student, whose determination to complete his education earned him a place among the scholars.
Bryan’s journey reflects the challenges faced by many Filipino students. Following the loss of his father, his family depended largely on the income earned by his mother, Marianila Fajardo, who sells home-cooked meals to support her children.
As a solo parent, Marianila said balancing daily expenses and educational costs has been difficult. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to helping her son pursue his dream of becoming a nurse.
The scholarship assistance provided much-needed relief for the family and renewed hope that Bryan can complete his studies.
Expressing her gratitude, Marianila thanked President Marcos for the opportunity given to families like theirs.
“Salamat po President sa binigay ninyong pagkakataon na ito. Binigyan niyo kami ng chance makapagpatuloy sa pag-aaral ang aking anak. Sobrang laking bagay po nito sa amin,” she said.
For Bryan, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It is an investment in his future and an opportunity to one day give back to his family and community through the healthcare profession. “This scholarship will help me finish my studies,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the support extended through the program. “Dahil sa programa ng ating Pangulo, marami pang mga kagaya kong estudyante ang nabibigyan ng chance maabot ang aming mga pangarap. Asahan po ninyo na ang tulong na inyong ipinagkaloob, masusuklian namin ng tagumpay dahil isa po kayo sa dahilan kung bakit ipinagpapatuloy namin ang aming mga pangarap,” Bryan said.
Strengthening disaster preparedness efforts
Beyond educational support, the barangay also invested in measures to improve disaster preparedness. Another portion of the assistance was used to procure two generators that will serve as backup power sources during emergencies and power outages.
The generators will strengthen the village’s capacity to provide essential services and respond more effectively during disasters and other unforeseen situations.
Patio said the combination of educational assistance and disaster preparedness initiatives reflects the barangay’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of government support for the welfare of residents.
He likewise thanked the Chief Executive for the assistance extended to the barangay.
“Sa ating kagalang-galang na Pangulong Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyo sa tulong na ito sa ating barangay. Kasi po ito ay malaking pakinabang sa ating barangay, lalo na sa mga kabarangay natin na nangangailangan sa oras ng kagipitan,” Patio said.
He added that the generators and scholarship assistance would bring lasting benefits to the community.
“Kaya sana po, Pangulong Bongbong, ang pagtulong po ninyo habang kayo po ay nakaupo ay magtuluy-tuloy para lahat ng ating mga kabarangay ay makinabang. Sana po, bigyan pa kayo ng lakas ng ating Panginoon. Mabuhay po kayo. God bless po sa ating Pangulong Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos,” he said.
For Barangay Dolores, the program has become more than a source of financial assistance. It has opened doors for aspiring students, provided relief to struggling families, and enhanced the community’s readiness during emergencies.
As scholars continue to pursue their education and local preparedness efforts gain momentum, residents see the initiative as an example of how government programs can contribute to inclusive growth and community development at the grassroots level.
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