ADVERTISEMENT
Balik-Probinsiya Council should include governors —Imee
By DONA MAGSINO, GMA NewsSenator Imee Marcos on Tuesday appealed to the executive branch to include governors on the Balik-Probinsiya Council that would craft the framework for the program which aims to decongest Metro Manila and promote rural development.
"Sana isama 'yung mga gobernador. Nagulat ako bakit Balik-Probinsiya, walang nakaupo ni isa doon sa ating Balik-Probinsiya Council," Marcos said during a virtual briefing.
The former governor of Ilocos Norte stressed that local government leaders could help identify vacant and available lots for relocation, determine viable tax grants for investors and create sustainable ties with various stakeholders.
"Huwag nating kalimutan 'yung mga probinsiya mismo at isama 'yung mga gobernador," she added.
The senator said Balik-Probinsiya is similar to an initiative introduced by her father, former President Ferdinand Marcos.
"Dati kasi nagka-programa 'yung tatay ko, Balik-Barangay. Ganoon ang sistema," she said.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently issued Executive Order No. 114
ADVERTISEMENT
The council shall be headed by the Executive Secretary as chairperson and National Economic and Development Authority chief as vice chair. Other agencies of the government shall serve as members.
This body is mandated to formulate guidelines for the implementation of the program and provide its overall direction.
According to the National Housing Authority, the number of Metro Manila residents who will enroll in the government's Balik-Probinsiya program could reach as many as one million in six months.
Around 5,000 have enrolled in the program since applications opened last Friday, NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., said.
Meanwhile, Go said the Department of Agriculture could focus on empowering these families with household food security by giving them resources for backyard farming and poultry raising.
He added this program may complement efforts to boost the country's agriculture industry.
"There are still hundreds of hectares of agricultural lands and unlimited water resources that can be utilized for livelihood in the provinces. Agriculture and food security play a big role in regional development," he said. -MDM, GMA News