‘Balik Probinsya’ kicks off
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go called on the government to immediately help all stranded individuals and families in Metro Manila and other urban centers as the initial phase of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program started.
“Mar ami p os a at ing mg aka ba bay a nm ula pro bins ya at nag punt ar it os a Metro Manila ang nais na ngayong umuwi. Tulungan po nat ins il an gm aka bali kl a hat( Many of those who came to Metro Manila want to go home. Let us help them),” Go said. Included in the first batch are 112 persons traveling alone bound for Leyte. They
will be part of the immediate- phase implementation of the BP2 program, according to National Housing Authority General Manager and BP2 Program Council Executive Director Marcelino Escalada Jr.
The batch will leave this week. “Our target is 100 to 300 leaving for the provinces, depending upon the capacity of the local government units to undertake health protocols,” Escalada said.
Their transportation needs will be provided by the Department of Transportation. They will also be given cash allowance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. A dispatch protocol will be prepared by the Department of Health to ensure that they observe health protocols. All returnees will be subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Returnees to Leyte were given priority because the province registered the highest number of individuals who signified readiness to return at 2,300 persons.
Once they have been successfully brought back to Leyte, the program will have simultaneous trips to provinces throughout Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, 55 individuals in Cebu are also expected to return to Davao City next week. They were tested for Covid-19 and will be given food while they wait for their departure schedule.
The lawmaker’s office assisted in coordinating with appropriate agencies regarding the identification of beneficiaries, and provision of food and transportation.
Go emphasized that the whole country should learn from the experiences encountered during the pandemic, particularly the difficulties in controlling the spread of the disease and the challenges of delivering government services in overpopulated urban centers.
“Let this be a learning experience for us all,” he said.
“We have to act now. Maraminang gust on gumuwip ag kat a po sngn ar ana san nila dahil sa Covid-19. Kaya inilunsad ang program an git on gay on para matulun gan ng mas ma ay os na bu hay kung pi pi li in ni lang bu mali ks aka nil an gm gap robin s ya( Most of them want togo home after what they experienced because of Covid-19. This program was launched so the government could help them go back to their respective provinces),” the senator said.