Scholarship under scrutiny: Cagayan SP seeks probe into alleged favoritism in barangay scholars

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Cagayan has asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to investigate alleged irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries of the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Presidential Scholars Program, following complaints that some children of barangay officials may have been selected over other potentially qualified students.

The request for an investigation was contained in a resolution approved by the provincial board during its 55th regular session on Monday, according to a report from the Cagayan Provincial Information Office.

Second District Board Member Vilmer Viloria, one of the resolution's sponsors, said his office and other provincial board members had received complaints from individuals questioning the selection of scholarship beneficiaries.

Among the concerns raised were reports that children of incumbent barangay officials were among the beneficiaries, prompting the SP to ask the DILG Region 2 and DILG-Cagayan Provincial Office to examine whether the recipients met the program's eligibility requirements.

The board emphasized the need to ensure that the scholarship reaches the students it was intended to help, particularly those who are financially disadvantaged and at risk of failing to complete their studies.

Under the program, each barangay receives ₱200,000, with ₱100,000 allocated for five scholarship beneficiaries who each receive ₱20,000. The program prioritizes incoming fourth-year or graduating college students from vulnerable households and those at risk of dropping out, among other criteria.

The Palace has previously clarified that being a relative or child of a barangay official does not automatically disqualify a student from receiving the scholarship, provided the student meets the program's requirements. It has also urged the public to report suspected irregularities in beneficiary selection to the appropriate government agencies.

The Cagayan SP resolution was unanimously supported by the provincial board and immediately approved, paving the way for the requested review of the reported complaints.

Not the first scholarship controversy

The latest complaint comes amid other reported concerns over the selection of beneficiaries of the presidential scholarship program in Cagayan, including issues raised in town of Alcala and town of Iguig.

These cases underscore calls for greater transparency in the selection process to ensure that government educational assistance reaches deserving students in accordance with the program's guidelines.

For now, the Cagayan SP is seeking an official investigation to determine whether the reported beneficiaries complied with the eligibility requirements and whether any irregularities occurred in the selection process.