Putting More Resources at the Barangay Level
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Barangay governments are often the closest level of government to residents, making them familiar with concerns that may not always be visible from citywide planning offices. The Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program recognizes this proximity by providing each barangay with a dedicated allocation. President Marcos explained during the General Santos City launch that local officials understand the needs of their communities and can use the funding for initiatives appropriate to their areas. This approach gives barangay leaders another source of resources for responding to smaller but meaningful community concerns.
Half of the Fund Is Reserved for Community Initiatives
The ₱200,000 allocation is divided into two parts. According to the program guidelines discussed during its rollout, ₱100,000 is intended for community projects, giving barangays an opportunity to identify practical improvements suited to their circumstances. The other ₱100,000 is reserved for scholarships. Examples of potential community uses mentioned in subsequent government reports include solar street lights, disaster-response equipment, and daycare-center improvements. The specific project chosen by each barangay can therefore reflect its own priorities rather than requiring every community to spend the money in exactly the same way.
A Small Fund Can Still Address Practical Problems
For a large city such as General Santos, ₱100,000 per barangay is not enough to finance major infrastructure projects. Its potential value lies elsewhere. A relatively small allocation can help address targeted needs that may otherwise have to wait for larger funding programs. A barangay could potentially use the amount for equipment, minor facility improvements, lighting, or other eligible community needs. The funding should therefore be viewed as a supplemental resource rather than a replacement for regular barangay and city budgets.
