The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Cordillera reminded barangay officials in Apayao on Monday to award scholarships under the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) program based on eligibility requirements and not political affiliations. DILG-Cordillera Assistant Regional Director Ruperto Maribay said the scholarship should benefit qualified residents and should not be used for the upcoming barangay elections. Under the BBM program, the 136 barangays in Apayao’s seven municipalities each received PHP200,000. Of the amount, PHP100,000 is earmarked for scholarships for five students, with each beneficiary receiving PHP20,000. He said the DILG would monitor the use of the funds to ensure that they are properly utilized.