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6 provinces ready for pilot testing of Balik Probinsya —Bong Go
Six provinces said they are ready to be part of the pilot testing phase of the government's Balik Probinsya Program (BPP), according to Senator Christopher "Bong" Go.
These are Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, North Cotabato and Camarines Sur, Go said, quoting National Housing Authority General Manager Jun Escalada and Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Manny Piñol.
The BPP is being prioritized, said Go, after President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order
on Wednesday ordering the implementation of Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa Program to decongest Metro Manila and promote countryside development.Go also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has identified around 3,000 individuals who want to take part in the program.
The DSWD also said workers who were stranded in Metro Manila due to the enhanced community quarantine will be assisted so they can return to their home provinces.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga gobernador ng mga probinsya sa paghanda ng kanilang mga lugar upang magtanggap ng kanilang mga kababayan na gusto nang umuwi. Ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno ay nakikipag-coordinate sa LGUs para malatag na ang mga protocols at proseso sa pagbalik nila,” the senator said.
“Para sa mga gustong umuwi na ngayon, may nakahanda nang protocols daw ang gobyerno para siguraduhin na ligtas ang pagbyahe at hindi ito magdudulot ng lalong pagkalat ng sakit. May transportation assistance at transitory package na ipapamahagi,” he added.
"Doon sa mga identified individuals natin, i-verify ng DSWD kung taga saan sila originally para mabigyan agad ng tulong at makakauwi na sila," the senator said.
The DSWD will provide transportation assistance and give out food packs, hygiene kits, family kits and other non-food items during the immediate phase of the program.
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All individuals participating in the program will also undergo health protocols such as COVID-19 testing prior to travel, Go said.
Those who will return to the countryside will also be assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry through its Negosyo sa Barangay program so they can set up and sustain their own businesses.
The Department of Labor and Employment will also help those who lost their jobs through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Program and Government Internship Program or TUPAD-GIP.
As for housing, the National Housing Authority and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development will work on a housing development plan beneficiaries can afford.
“Lahat ng agencies po mag-aalign ng kanilang mga programs, activities and projects na pwedeng makatulong sa mga kababayan nating nais umuwi at para rin ma-encourage ang iba na mag-relocate sa mga probinsya sa tamang panahon,” Go explained.
“Right now, our priority is to address and overcome this health crisis first. Kino-complement ng BPP ang ating mga existing health measures upang labanan ang COVID-19 para sa future, mas empowered ang ating bansa, lalo na ang mga probinsya, pagdating sa paglutas ng mga problema tulad ng pandemic at mas maging handa sa anumang krisis na darating,” he said.
Go said the BPP is an important initiative in the preparation for the "new normal" as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Escalada said those interested to participate in the program may visit balikprobinsya.ph and fill out the form, or manually sign application forms which will be distributed in Metro Manila, or check out the SMS system being set up by the program's inter-agency council. —KG, GMA News