NextGen Day

MANILA – For the past two years, Jesseil Villamor’s pandemic experience has been a frequently repeated story.

Her husband, a construction worker, was impacted by the series of lockdowns enacted last year in response to a dramatic increase in Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila.

Although they were receiving government assistance and cash assistance, Villamor stated that it was insufficient to cover their daily expenses and the needs of their children.

It got to the point where her in-laws from Zambales were financially supporting them in order to pay rent and utility bills.

They expressed no reservations upon learning of the national government’s “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” (BP2) program.

“Gawa ng pandemic, grabe pong hirap namin, at nung nalaman namin na may Balik Probinsya, nag-apply kami.” We really struggled as a result of the pandemic, so when we learned about the Balik Probinsya program, we immediately applied. We made an attempt),” Villamor stated.

The Villamors are one of three families totaling 12 members who returned to Zambales via BP2 on Friday.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic two years ago, the program has already facilitated the permanent relocation of 666 beneficiaries to various provinces across the country.

The beneficiaries underwent dispatch procedures on Thursday, which included registration, orientation, evaluation, health assessment, and swab testing to ensure they are not infected with Covid-19 upon their return to their hometowns.

Villamor stated that returning permanently to Zambales is the most practical option.

She vowed to maximize the assistance and expressed gratitude to the BP2 program for providing them with another chance at a new beginning.

“Pagtuluy-tuloy naman [ang BP2 program]. I wish the BP2 program would continue in its current form. I hope the next president will continue this program in order to assist more people),” Villamor stated.

The BP2 program’s whole-of-government approach aims to balance rural development and decongest densely populated areas in Metro Manila.

Initially, eligible beneficiaries are entitled to transportation, cash assistance, and employment opportunities.

The President’s Office, the National Housing Authority, the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Health, Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Agriculture, and Trade and Industry, as well as receiving local government units and the private sector, collaborate to ensure that BP2 beneficiaries receive sustainable assistance.

Additionally, the government implemented a streamlined system of fiscal incentives for export- and domestic-oriented businesses, as well as support for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go commended the national government agencies for another successful dispatch of BP2 beneficiaries and their care throughout the pre-departure process in a video message.

Go, the program’s creator, stated that additional assistance will be provided to beneficiaries until they can adjust to their new lives in the provinces.

“This successful dispatch and the BP2 program as a whole are part of the national government’s strategy to promote rural development and give Filipinos hope for a better future,” Go said, wishing the beneficiaries a safe journey and assuring them of the government’s continued support as they resettle and begin anew in their hometowns.

On May 6, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 114, institutionalizing the Balik Probinsya program.

The EO was issued in response to Go’s Senate Resolution No. 380, which was adopted by the Senate the same month.

Those interested in enrolling in the BP2 program may do so online at https://balikprobinsya.ph/ or by calling 0919-0657896 and 0919-0692530.

Save/Share this story with QR CODE

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

📩 Need to get in touch?

📩 Feel free to Contact NextGenDay.com for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.

---

We appreciate your reading. 😊Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) ❤️GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal😊❤️
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) 🛒 BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) 👍 Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).

---

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.

---