By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Monday urged the public to report any abuse or irregularity in the selection of beneficiaries under the Presidential Scholars program to ensure that assistance reaches deserving students.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remarks amid reports circulating on social media involving the child of a barangay official allegedly being selected as a scholar.
Funded by the Socio-Civic Projects Fund, the initiative provides P20,000 cash assistance to five graduating college students from every barangay who face the risk of dropping out due to lack of financial resources.
The selection, according to Castro, is undertaken by barangay officials, together with the Sangguniang Barangay’s education committee, in coordination with the Liga ng mga Barangay national office, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Office of the President.
Castro said the program is intended to reach deserving students in communities across the country, particularly those who want to finish college but lack the financial means to do so.
She urged anyone who witnesses possible abuse in the selection process to report it to the Liga ng mga Barangay national office, DILG, Presidential Communications Office (PCO), or Office of the President.
“Kung mayroon man na umaabuso, huwag po silang mag-atubili at huwag matakot na ireklamo po ito sa Liga ng mga Barangay national office at sa DILG. At maaari rin po itong iparating dito sa PCO at sa Office of the President,” Castro said.
The Palace official cautioned against immediately judging the beneficiary based solely on their relationship to a barangay official, saying being a relative of an official does not automatically disqualify a student.
Castro said complaints involving possible favoritism or misuse of the program are welcome and should be reported so authorities can act on them. (PNA)
