Holistic approach for BP2 reboot — Go

The government remains committed to the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program as a long-term plan of the government to decongest Metro Manila and boost countryside development despite its suspension.

At the height of more stringent

COVID-19 quarantine measures, the BP2 program’s initial rollouts were halted to give way to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to prioritize the Hatid Tulong initiative, a transportation assistance program which helps locally stranded individuals (LSI) return to their provinces, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said.

Despite temporarily suspending subsequent rollouts, the preparations conducted by concerned government agencies for the eventual implementation of the BP2 program remains in full swing, Go added in his weekly “GOing Forward” commentary.

Before resuming the rollouts, Go said the government wanted to ascertain first that it is already safe to reactivate the program. “That is why coordination, cooperation and collaboration between the national agencies and concerned local government units are crucial in the implementation of the BP2 program to ensure that the respective provinces are ready to accept BP2 beneficiaries, take care of their needs, and ensure their safety and the safety of the rest of the communities in their area,” he explained.

Despite temporarily suspending subsequent rollouts, the preparations conducted by concerned government agencies for the eventual implementation of the BP2 program remains in full swing.

“Just last week, I, as one of the main proponents of BP2, was invited to discuss my thoughts and provide guidance during the Executive Committee meeting of the BP2 Council, led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and National Housing Authority General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr.,” Go revealed.

He bared that in the meeting, he urged the BP2 Council to continue with preparations for the program and ensure the availability of jobs and similar opportunities in all provinces as they plan for the eventual full implementation of the program once the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled.

Livelihood should be provided

Those who will take part in the program should have immediate sources of income once they return to their home and host provinces, Go explained as he added this will also give them hope and something to look forward to during these difficult times.

A key component that distinguishes the BP2 program is the current government’s commitment to a holistic approach.

Almost all departments and agencies of the government will be involved in the implementation of the program. “Furthermore, local government units also have significant roles to play in its implementation,” he explained.

Last month, Go expressed his support to the call of the BP2 Council for the executive department to issue a directive to members of the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) to organize and convene their respective Regional Development Councils (RDC) as special BP2 committees.

He bared that in the meeting, he urged the BP2 Council to continue with preparations for the program and ensure the availability of jobs and similar opportunities in all provinces.

Creating special BP2 committees in each RDC will promote close coordination among the different levels of governance from national agencies to local government units. They will also help operationalize our plans towards promoting development in the countryside.

The RDC Special BP2 Committees will also play a significant role by coordinating all BP2 activities in their respective jurisdictions and ensuring that all regional BP2 action plans that may be crafted by RDC are aligned with the over-all national key result areas and development thrusts set forth by the BP2 Council.

“To further promote this goal, the BP2 Council is also doing necessary ground preparations for subsequent rollouts, such as close coordination with the receiving local government units to give them more time to prepare for the arrival of BP2 beneficiaries who expressed willingness to relocate to their provinces for good,” according to Go.

CREATE provides growth environment

Go also gave support to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) bill which seeks to encourage businesses to invest in regions outside Metro Manila and, thereby, create more economic opportunities for rural populations and BP2 beneficiaries.

Specifically, the proposed measure, also known as Senate Bill 1357, will improve the corporate tax system and develop a competitive tax regime that is responsive to the needs of businesses affected by the pandemic.

“As for BP2 beneficiaries who qualified for the program’s first roll-out last May 20, we are happy and grateful for the livelihood assistance that the labor department has extended to them,” according to Go.

With the cooperation and bayanihan spirit of all government agencies and all levels of governance in the country — from the national to barangay levels — coupled with the support of the private sector, Go said he has “no doubt that the BP2 program can become President Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy program that will forever transform our country and give Filipinos new hope of a better and more comfortable future for all.”