CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Thirty beneficiaries, composed of eight principals and 22 family members, were the latest recipients of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program in Region 10 as they returned to the provinces of Bukidnon (13) and Lanao del Norte (16), and Iligan City (1), May 31.
The National Housing Authority (NHA), which serves as the BP2 Program Council secretariat, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), facilitated the logistical requirement and the dispatch proceedings of the beneficiaries at the BP2 Depot in Quezon City, including registration, orientation, and swab testing to ensure safe travel in going back to their hometowns.
Beneficiaries were given immediate support prior to their scheduled departure including transportation allowance, food packs, hygiene kits, and tablets for the students.
The regional team composed of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10, DSWD-10, NHA-10, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Area (CAAP)-10, Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10, and the receiving local government units welcomed the beneficiaries at the Laguindingan Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
The receiving LGUs will provide additional assistance to the beneficiaries to help them in the transition stage. At the regional level, various programs and projects along with social services, livelihood, and employment will be provided to the beneficiaries subject to validation and assessment.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 114 on 6 May 2020 institutionalizing the BP2 program, with the primary goal of ensuring balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources, and opportunities in the countryside. The program aims to address overcrowding in Metro Manila’s urban area and assist informal settlers to go back to their home provinces with a fresh start.
To coordinate the conduct of BP2-related activities in Northern Mindanao, the Regional Development Council (RDC)-10 created the Special BP2 Committee per Resolution No. 5 (s. 2020), “Creating the Special Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Committee under the RDC-10.” (NEDA-10/PIA-10)
Photo release:
Northern Mindanao concerned agencies welcome the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa program beneficiaries bound for Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon, May 31 at the Laguindingan Airport. (NEDA-10)
