Government assistance took center stage in Dumaguete City as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turnover of financial support for presidential scholars and inspected the ongoing rice distribution program for vulnerable families in Negros Oriental on August 17, 2026. Held at the Talay Gymnasium, the activity brought together national and local government officials, scholars, community leaders, and beneficiaries. The initiative highlighted efforts to make government programs more accessible to communities while providing direct support for education and household food needs.
Financial Assistance for Presidential Scholars
One of the major components of the activity was the distribution of financial assistance to presidential scholars in Negros Oriental. Fifteen Presidential Scholars representing 250 beneficiaries from Dumaguete City, Valencia, and Bacong were part of the ceremony. Each scholar received ₱20,000 through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF), providing additional financial support as students continue their education. For students and their families, educational assistance can help ease some of the financial challenges associated with pursuing higher education. Programs such as this also reflect the importance of investing in students as future contributors to their communities.
Supporting Education Through Direct Assistance
The presence of scholars at the ceremony emphasized the connection between government assistance and educational opportunities. Financial support can provide students with additional resources for school-related expenses while allowing them to focus more closely on their studies. By bringing assistance directly to beneficiaries, the program demonstrates how national initiatives can have a practical impact at the local level. The participation of communities from Dumaguete, Valencia, and Bacong also reflects the wider reach of educational assistance across Negros Oriental.
Rice Assistance for Vulnerable Families
Alongside the scholarship assistance, President Marcos also inspected the continuing distribution of rice under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) Rice Assistance Program. Under the initiative, beneficiaries are set to receive 10 kilograms of rice every two months, or six times each year. A total of 2,230 beneficiaries are included in the program.
The recipients include farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, laborers, and other low-income earners who may face challenges in meeting regular household food expenses.
