Beneficiaries receive financial assistance during the distribution of presidential scholarships at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on June 3, 2026. (Photos courtesy of MPIO)

A total of 4,426 graduating college students from Manila received P20,000 each in financial assistance from the national government on June 3 to help them complete their studies.

(From left) Chi Atienza, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the turnover of financial assistance to Presidential Scholars at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on June 3, 2026. (Photos courtesy of MPIO)

The beneficiaries, drawn from 896 barangays across the city’s six districts, received the aid under the Office of the President’s scholarship initiative, amounting to a total of P88.52 million.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who led the distribution at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, said the program targets students who are close to finishing their degrees but are at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints.

Under the program, barangays were asked to identify five scholars each, prioritizing those in their final year who may struggle to graduate due to a lack of funds.

Data cited by the President showed that nearly 29 percent of college students dropped out in 2025, underscoring the need for direct assistance to graduating students.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso welcomed the initiative, saying the support would help ease the burden on students and their families.

He also noted that additional assistance from the national government, including the “Biyayang Bigas para sa Maynila” program, continues to be distributed to Manila residents, particularly workers.

According to program guidelines, P200,000 is allocated per barangay under the Social Civic Development Program, with P100,000 allotted to five scholars and the remaining P100,000 for other community needs as determined by barangay officials.