The Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program, otherwise known as the “Finisher Fund” is the education component of the broader Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program, a Marcos administration initiative that gives every barangay in the country ₱200,000 in government funding — half for a “finisher program” for graduating college students, half for barangay development and public-safety projects like streetlights, patrol vehicles, or CCTV systems. Under the education half, five “Presidential Scholars” per barangay each receive a one-time ₱20,000 grant designed as a bridge for students close to graduating but at risk of not making it there due to money problems, intended to cover tuition balances, school supplies, transportation, and daily allowance rather than function as a merit award as the CHED-administered Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) does.
The program traces back to April 2026, when President Marcos ordered an initial ₱8-billion release to more than 42,000 barangays amid economic pressure linked to the Middle East crisis. According to President Marcos during his SONA, ₱7 billion had already reached 34,800 barangays nationwide, leaving roughly 7,000 of the country’s 42,000-plus barangays still awaiting their allocation — meaning the program is already active and disbursing funds, but has not yet reached full nationwide coverage, making it a target for scammers posing as processors, and causing real political dispute for allegedly denying assistance to some barangays for political reasons.
Scope and Coverage
Because the program is implemented barangay by barangay, eligibility can vary by location, but based on official guidance so far:
- Each barangay may select up to five college students as Presidential Scholars.
- Priority generally goes to incoming fourth-year college students for School Year 2026–2027 — students close to finishing their degree.
- Incoming fourth-year college student for the SY 2026-2027
- From vulnerable households;
- At risk of dropping out; and/or
- From a family with no member who has completed tertiary education (prioritized).
- Resident of barangay concerned.
- Students in 5th or 6th year may be eligible provided they are graduating in SY 2026-2027.
- Incoming fourth-year college student for the SY 2026-2027
- Where no graduating students are available, a barangay may instead consider incoming third-year students, or, per some program descriptions, TESDA scholars with National Certificates or fifth/sixth-year students expecting to graduate.
- Preference is typically given to students from vulnerable households or those considered at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulty.
- Scholars are generally expected to be residents of the barangay where they’re applying.
- Students studying in universities outside the city or municipal jurisdiction are still eligible, provided they are residents of the barangays.
- Allowable Expenses: The scholarship assistance may be used by the beneficiary-scholar for the following expenses:
- Tuition and other school fees (TOSF)
- School supplies
- Transportation
- Meal allowances
- Other necessary education-related expenses directly related to the completion of academic requirements for graduation
- As part of the process, scholars are required to sign an Undertaking outlining their roles, responsibilities, and commitment to remain in school for SY 2026-2027
How to Apply
Since the program is administered locally, there is currently no single centralized national application portal. The most reliable steps are:
- Visit or call your barangay office and ask whether the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program is active in your area.
- Ask about the barangay’s selection process, which is generally handled through the Barangay Committee on Education.
- Watch for official announcements posted at the barangay hall, on the barangay’s verified Facebook page, or through your local government unit (LGU).
- Prepare basic proof of enrollment, residency, and financial need, though exact documentary requirements are set by each barangay and have not been standardized nationwide.
Note: For your safety, avoid submitting personal documents to any page or individual not clearly affiliated with your barangay or LGU — no legitimate application requires payment or processing fees.
How Much Do Scholars Receive?
Each selected Presidential Scholar receives a one-time grant of ₱20,000, drawn from the ₱100,000 education portion of their barangay’s ₱200,000 total allocation. Five scholars may be selected per barangay. With an estimated 42,000-plus barangays nationwide, officials have cited a projected total of roughly 200,000 student beneficiaries once the program is fully rolled out — a projection based on full nationwide coverage rather than a confirmed final count.
How Are the Funds Disbursed?
Based on DILG’s implementing guidelines (MC No. 2026-038), the Office of the President disburses funds to barangays through two modes:
- Physical checks, often distributed during official ceremonies or launch events, or
- Direct deposit to the barangay’s depository account.
Before release, barangays are generally required to submit documentation such as a notarized deed of donation, a barangay resolution, a list of selected scholars, formal request letters, and identification of the Punong Barangay (barangay captain). Once funds reach the barangay’s own account, disbursement to individual scholars follows standard barangay financial procedures — typically checks drawn against the barangay’s depository account, supported by a Punong Barangay Certification, consistent with existing Commission on Audit (COA) rules for barangay fund management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to the Barangay Presidential Scholarship Program:
1. Is the Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholars Program the same as the CHED Merit Scholarship?
No. The Barangay Presidential Scholars Program is barangay-based and prioritizes financial need for students nearing graduation. The CHED-administered Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program is a separate, merit-based scholarship for top Senior High School graduates.
2. Is the program available now?
Yes, it has been active since April 2026, but as of the July 2026 SONA, it had reached roughly 34,800 of more than 42,000 barangays — not yet all of them.
3. Who is eligible?
Guidelines generally prioritize incoming fourth-year college students for School Year 2026–2027 from vulnerable households or at risk of dropping out; incoming third-year students may qualify where no graduating students are available. Exact criteria can vary by barangay.
4. Where do I apply?
Through your barangay office. There is no single centralized national application portal, so requirements and timelines differ by location.
5. Who oversees the program?
Funding comes from the Office of the President; the DILG was directed to oversee and monitor implementation nationwide. The barangay is the first line implementing agency for this program.
Need More Help?
The DILG was directed to oversee and monitor the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program’s implementation, including the Barangay Presidential Scholars component. You can reach the DILG Central Office through:
- Website: dilg.gov.ph
- Address: DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City
- Trunkline: (02) 8876-3454
For program-specific concerns, it’s generally faster to start with your own barangay office or your city/municipal DILG field office, since they handle actual selection and disbursement at the local level, though the program guidelines also offer the following channels:
- For complaints, clarifications and other concerns, you may contact:
- Email: bawatbrgymakikinabanghelpdesk@gmail.com and
- Hotline: 09568426721.
- Verified complaints against any erring officials in line with the implementation of the programs may also be filed before the Sanggunian concerned or the Office of the Ombudsman for filing of appropriate administrative cases.