Manila, Aug. 20 -- Recipients of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) scholarship grants in Negros Occidental are thankful for the assistance that will ensure they finish college amid issues of nepotism surrounding the selection of scholars.

Across the 601 barangays in Negros Occidental, a total of 3,005 graduating college students are expected to avail of the presidential scholarship program that provides a PHP20,000 cash grant to each beneficiary.

On Wednesday, Barangay Atipuluan in Bago City delisted the three grantees initially selected and replaced them to adhere to the guidelines of the presidential scholarship program.

In a Facebook post, village councilman Kent Daryl Memoria said they accepted applications for the three slots,...