The first batch of Metro Manila residents who availed of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2) departed for Leyte province on Wednesday afternoon.
Based on the initial master list provided to the media, at least 116 persons enrolled in the program through an online application, but some came with their family, according to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Aimee Neri.
“Based sa master list na binigay nila sa DSWD, may around 116 individuals ang ise send-off, but I was told that some of the individuals brought with them members of the family nila or relatives, so ina-assess ngayon,” Neri said.
[Based on the master list given to DSWD, around 116 individuals will be sent off but I was told that some of them brought with them members of the family or relatives, and they are being assessed now.]
The DSWD anticipates possible increase in numbers, but Neri gave an assurance that everyone will be accommodated.
Neri explained that after receiving applications online, they immediately conducted social preparation and assessment on the applicants.
“Nag enroll sila sa balikprobinysa.ph. Meron kasing enrollment online so sinasala yan ng NHA (National Housing Authority). So kino-contact yun kung anong basic needs nila, ina-assess tapos as to the eligibility and then pinapasa sa kada ahensya ng member agencies ng inter-agency ng Balik Probinsya,” she explained.
[They enrolled online via balikprobinsya.ph so they were assessed by the NHA. After which, they will be contacted to ask for their basic needs. These will be escalated to the other member agencies.]
Those who were sent off today will also be given cash assistance worth PHP5,000 by the DSWD as a transportation allowance. Upon arrival in Leyte, they will also receive family food packs.
An assessment will also be done by the DSWD for possible livelihood assistance, which is equivalent to PHP15,000 for each family as a capital seed grant within 15 days.
“Ang aming goal dito is ma-sustain yung survival nila (the goal is to sustain their survival in the) province to prevent them from going back to Metro Manila to seek for employment or livelihood.”
In addition to the assistance, families with minor children will also be assessed and may be included in the DSWD 4P’s program where they will receive a monthly grant.
Executive Order No. 114, which institutionalized the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” (BPP) program, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte after the Senate adopted Senator Bong Go’s Resolution No. 380 urging the executive department to formulate and implement the BPP.
The EO aims to ensure “balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities through policies and programs that boost countryside development and inclusive growth; provide adequate social services, and promote full employment, industrialization and improved quality of life in rural areas.”
