Marcos admin targeting over 200K presidential scholars

The national government wants more than 200,000 eligible high school students to finish their education through the Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholars Program (BPPSP), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

Marcos made the remark during the orientation of 105 Presidential Scholars from 21 barangays at Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City.

Most of the beneficiaries are currently in their third and fourth years of high school.

"Gagawin namin ito sa buong Pilipinas. Sa buong Pilipinas, over 200,000 of you will become Presidential Scholars, which is so important," Marcos said.

(We want to implement this nationwide. We want over 200,000 Presidential Scholars in the country.)

During the orientation, the President underscored the importance of investing in the youth, saying they are the future leaders of the nation who will eventually take on key roles in government, business, education, and other sectors.

He also encouraged the scholars to make the most of the opportunity, describing education as a lasting treasure that can never be taken away.

"Ang edukasyon ay biyaya (Education is a blessing) — it is a treasure. It is a wealth that you will never lose ever until the day you die," Marcos said.

The President stressed that quality education not only improves an individual's life but also benefits families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

"Mag-aral kayo nang mabuti, pagtiyagaan ninyo talaga dahil ito ay kayamanan na maibibigay namin sa inyo," he added.

(Study hard and persevere because it is a form of wealth that we can give you.)

Under the BPPPS, each participating barangay receives P100,000 in funding through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCF). Each barangay may support up to five scholars, with each beneficiary receiving P20,000 one-time educational assistance. — VDV, GMA News