‘Balik Probinsya’ program pushed

SENATOR BONG Go has urged the incoming Marcos administration to continue the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” (BP2) program, saying it will give more hope to the people for a better future after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Hinihikayat po natin ang bagong administrasyon na ipagpatuloy ang pagpapatupad ng BP2 program na layuning mabigyan ng bagong pag-asa ang ating mga kababayan na kung piliin nilang bumalik sa probinsya at manirahan doon,” Go said.

“Hindi lang po maipagpatuloy, kundi mas mapaganda pa sa susunod na termino. Pareho naman po tayo ng adhikain -- ang masigurong maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino ang komportableng buhay kahit saan mang sulok ng bansa,” he added.

Go, who is a proponent of the BP2 program, underlined that with the initiative, the government will be able to further support rural development and create greater economic possibilities for everyone in all parts of the country.

He also welcomed the support from the private sector as various groups expressed intent to participate and contribute to the government’s push for accelerated regional development. Go encouraged more businesses to follow suit and invest in areas outside the country's urban centers.

“Isa sa mga layunin ng Balik Probinsya program ang pagsigurong handa at kaaya-aya ang mga probinsya para sa mga bagong negosyong ipapatayo ng mga mamumuhunan,” he said.

In May 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 114 which institutionalizes the program as a pillar of balanced regional development.

“Ngayon, merong Executive Order 114 na nag-institutionalize nito. Meron ding inter-agency council na mangangasiwa at magpapatupad nito. Whole-of-government na ang approach ngayon,” Go said.

The program will also provide adequate social services to its people, promote employment, and focus on key areas, such as empowerment of local industries, food security, and infrastructure development in rural areas. (Mindanao Examiner)