PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on presidential scholars to take their studies seriously and maximize the opportunity provided by government-funded education programs.

“Ang sinabi ko lang sa ating mga estudyante, pakinabangan ninyo itong scholarship na binibigay namin sa inyo. Mag-aral kayong mabuti,” Marcos said during his visit to Tacloban City.

The President emphasized the lasting value of education, urging students to remain diligent and complete their degrees.

“At kagaya ng sinabi ko doon sa mga estudyante… magsipag kayo at mag-aral kayong mabuti, makapagtapos kayo dahil ang edukasyon ay ang tanging isang kayamanan na napupunta sa atin bilang estudyante—na kahit anong mangyari, hindi maaaring mawala, hindi maaaring agawin, hindi maaaring nakawin sa inyo,” he added.

Marcos met with around 690 student-beneficiaries during the visit, highlighting the government’s continued support for young Filipinos pursuing higher education.

Under the program, each barangay nationwide is allotted P200,000 in funding, with half earmarked for scholarships—particularly for students in their final year of college. At least five students per barangay are prioritized for financial assistance to help ensure they complete their studies.

The initiative aims to reduce the country’s 39 percent college attrition rate, which is often driven by financial constraints, especially in the final year of schooling.