The Ministries of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and Science and Technology (MOST) roll out more than P1. 23 billion in scholarship assistance and welfare programs during the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program on July 22, 2026 at the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. (Faisal Camsa, Jr. /Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY (July 27) — For some of the Bangsamoro region’s most vulnerable residents, help comes in the form of a P1,000 monthly subsidy, P5,000 in monthly support for orphaned children, or a scholarship that could open the door to a career in science and technology.
These are among the beneficiaries of more than P1.23 billion in assistance rolled out by the Bangsamoro Government on July 22 to strengthen social protection and education across the region.
The assistance, delivered through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), formed part of more than P3.4 billion worth of projects, services, and development interventions jointly implemented by the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government.
The assistance was unveiled during the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program, held simultaneously at the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City.
For indigent persons with disabilities, the Kalinga sa May Kapansanan Program provides a P1,000 monthly subsidy to around 45,000 beneficiaries across the BARMM.
The Kupkop Program, meanwhile, provides P5,000 in monthly assistance to 2,040 orphaned children, helping ease the financial burden on families and caregivers raising children who have lost their parents.
For those facing sudden crises, the Bangsamoro Critical Assistance in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) serves as a lifeline. Since 2023, the program has assisted more than 184,855 individuals affected by medical emergencies, disasters, armed conflict, and other crises.
The Ministry of Social Services and Development allocated more than P1.22 billion for the three programs—P560 million for B-CARES, P540 million for Kalinga sa May Kapansanan, and P122.64 million for Kupkop.
MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie said the ministry would continue working with the National Government and Bangsamoro Government to ensure that assistance reaches communities across the region.
“Building an inclusive and a Matatag na Bangsamoro is a shared task,” Jajurie said, adding that the ministry supports initiatives aimed at driving meaningful progress in Bangsamoro communities.
Meanwhile, the region’s aspiring scientists and science professionals are also receiving support.
The Ministry of Science and Technology awarded P14.5 million in scholarships under its Mujahideen Assistance for Science Education (MASE) and Professional Assistance for Science Education (PASE) programs.
Of the amount, P10 million went to MASE scholars, while P4.5 million was awarded to PASE grantees pursuing postgraduate studies in science and technology-related fields.
The grants will help cover tuition, learning materials, and other academic expenses while strengthening the region’s pool of science and technology professionals.
The assistance package reflects a broader push by the National and Bangsamoro Governments to invest in both immediate needs and long-term opportunities—from helping vulnerable families weather emergencies to supporting children who have lost their parents and preparing the next generation of Bangsamoro scientists.
The initiatives were rolled out during the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program under the theme, “Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
