PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged thousands of graduating college students in Manila to persevere in their studies as he led the distribution of PHP88.52 million in educational assistance under the Presidential Scholars program.

A total of 4,426 beneficiaries from Manila’s six congressional districts received PHP20,000 each, with the aid intended to help them complete their studies and earn their degrees.

“Pagsipagan niyo ito at magkikita ulit tayo kapag may hawak na kayong diploma (Work hard on your studies and we will meet again once you have your diplomas),” Marcos told the scholars at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The President underscored the importance of keeping students in school, citing data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) showing that nearly 29 percent of college students dropped out in 2025.

Marcos said the government is determined to help more young Filipinos finish their education, stressing that they will become the country’s future workforce and leaders.

The beneficiaries were selected from Manila’s 896 barangays, with five graduating college students identified from each village.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Marcos said the assistance forms part of the administration’s continuing “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, which channels support directly to communities nationwide.

“This is our continuing program sa Bawat Bayan Makikinabang. We will continue to do this hanggang mabuo natin ang buong Pilipinas (until we cover the entire Philippines),” he said.

The President said nearly 20,000 barangays have already benefited from the initiative and expressed optimism that the program would reach more communities within the school year.

Marcos also signaled the possibility of increasing funding for local governments if the program continues to deliver positive results.

The PHP88.52-million assistance package forms part of the administration’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) Financial Assistance Program, which provides PHP200,000 in aid to every barangay. Eligible marginalized and vulnerable families also receive 10 kilograms of rice under the initiative. (PNA)