Senate urges executive branch to implement ‘Balik-Probinsya’ program

The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution urging the executive department to implement a "Balik-Probinsya" program which would decongest Metro Manila and promote rural development.

Senator Bong Go, author of P.S. Resolution No. 380 which was adopted by the chamber during the plenary session, said the program was a long-term solution to prevent the spread of other infectious diseases like COVID-19 in congested areas of the country.

"Under this program, people, particularly informal settlers and those living in danger areas, will also be encouraged to move out of Metro Manila and go back to their home provinces," Go said during his sponsorship speech.

He also cited information from the Department of Health which found that, as of May 1, 68% or over 5,900 of the confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines were recorded in Metro Manila.

"I am urging the executive na planuhin 'yung immediate and 'yung medium-term, and 'yung long-term plan plan para dito sa Balik Probinsya," Go said.

As of May 4, the Philippines recorded a total of 9,485 cases of COVID-19, with 623 deaths and 1,315 recoveries. — DVM, GMA News