The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has released Memorandum Circular No. 2026-038, providing the implementing guidelines for the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program (BBMP) under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF).
The memorandum establishes how financial assistance will be distributed to all 42,010 barangays nationwide, including the implementation of the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars component and funding for community development priorities.
Unlike traditional scholarship programs where students submit applications directly to a national agency, the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars program allows barangays to identify deserving beneficiaries within their communities.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars Program?
The Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars is one of the components of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, a financial assistance initiative funded through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF).
The program aims to help deserving college students complete their education by providing financial assistance that can be used for tuition, school supplies, transportation, meal allowances, and other education-related expenses.
According to the memorandum, the scholarship serves as a “finisher fund”, helping vulnerable students graduate from college.
What is DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-038?
DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-038, dated July 2, 2026, provides the official implementation guidelines for the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program.
Its primary objectives are to:
- Establish guidelines for distributing financial assistance to all barangays;
- Implement the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars component;
- Support barangay-identified development priorities;
- Prescribe monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure proper implementation.
The memorandum covers provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, Liga ng mga Barangay chapters, DILG offices, and other concerned government agencies.
Financial Assistance for Every Barangay
Each barangay will receive a total allocation of ₱200,000. The assistance is divided into two components:
| Allocation | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars | ₱100,000 |
| Barangay Development Priority Projects | ₱100,000 |
Scholarship Benefits
Under the guidelines:
- Each barangay may identify five (5) scholars.
- Each scholar will receive ₱20,000.
- The assistance is intended to serve as a finisher fund.
- The scholarship should not be divided among more than five beneficiaries.
Who Can Become a Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholar?
The barangay, through its Committee on Education, shall identify five beneficiaries based on the following criteria:
- Incoming 4th-year college student for School Year 2026–2027;
- From a vulnerable household;
- At risk of dropping out;
- Priority may be given to students whose family has no college graduate;
- Resident of the barangay.
The memorandum also provides additional provisions:
- Graduating 5th or 6th year students may also qualify if they are expected to graduate during SY 2026–2027.
- If there are no graduating students in the barangay, assistance may be extended to incoming 3rd-year college students or qualified TESDA scholars.
- Students studying outside their city or municipality may still qualify provided they remain residents of the barangay.
- Barangays may establish additional eligibility criteria provided these are properly documented and applied fairly.
Allowable Scholarship Expenses
The scholarship may be used for:
- Tuition fees
- Miscellaneous school fees
- School supplies
- Transportation
- Meal allowance
- Other education-related expenses necessary for graduation
Barangay Development Assistance
Aside from scholarships, every barangay will also receive ₱100,000 to implement development projects that address local priorities.
These projects should be aligned with the immediate needs of the community.
The memorandum also states that the funds cannot be used for:
- Infrastructure projects
- Salaries
- Honoraria
- Personnel services
- Similar administrative expenses
Barangays may also revise their identified priority project if properly coordinated and documented.
How Are Scholars Selected?
Unlike many government scholarship programs, there is no nationwide online application portal. Instead, the selection process begins at the barangay level. The barangay’s Committee on Education identifies qualified beneficiaries based on the eligibility requirements stated in the memorandum.
After the beneficiaries are selected, the barangay prepares the required documents before the financial assistance is released.
If you believe you qualify, coordinate directly with your Barangay Hall or your Punong Barangay for updates regarding the implementation in your community.
Responsibilities of Barangays
Under the memorandum, barangays are responsible for:
- Identifying five qualified scholars;
- Selecting a development priority project;
- Preparing and submitting documentary requirements;
- Implementing approved projects;
- Maintaining financial records;
- Submitting utilization reports;
- Providing photo documentation;
- Posting project updates on official Facebook pages using the prescribed program hashtags.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can students apply directly to the DILG?
No. The memorandum does not provide a direct public application process. Beneficiaries are identified by their respective barangays.
2. How many scholars can each barangay select?
Each barangay may select five (5) qualified scholars.
3. How much does each scholar receive?
Each scholar receives ₱20,000.
4. Can TESDA students qualify?
Yes. If there are no graduating college students in the barangay, qualified TESDA scholars may be considered.
5. Can students studying outside their municipality qualify?
Yes. They may still qualify as long as they remain residents of the barangay.
6. Is the scholarship intended for all college years?
No. The scholarship primarily targets graduating students and serves as a finisher fund to help them complete their education.
Conclusion
The issuance of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-038 marks the official implementation of the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars component under the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program.
By providing financial assistance to deserving graduating students while also funding community development priorities, the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots governance and improve educational opportunities across the country.
Students who believe they meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to coordinate with their respective barangays for updates regarding beneficiary selection and implementation schedules.
Source: DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-038
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