by Leila Pasamonte
On Thursday June 11th, the implementation of the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) Program” has been suspended. According to BP2 Executive Director Marcelino Escalada, who is also National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager, individuals who live in the provinces but are currently stranded in Metro Manila, will be prioritized first.
The Balik-Probinsya, an executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 6th, is a “long-term’ program intended for Metro Manila residents (especially informal settlers) who want to return to their provinces for good.
On the other hand, Hatid Probinsya initiative is short-term assistance to provide transport to stranded individuals (tourists, OFWs, and students).
“This was a clear instruction from the President, unahin pauwiin ang ating mga kababayan na stranded dito sa Maynila and these are the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), the construction workers, ating mga turista at mga estudyante. That is the arrangement right now,” Escala said in Laging Handa public press briefing.
The Balik-Probinsya trips will resume if the number of stranded citizens decreases. It is expected to happen next month, according to Escalada. For now, stranded OFWs will have to communicate with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Stranded tourists are urged to communicate with the Department of Tourism (DOT). Stranded students are encouraged to communicate with the Office of the President and/or the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will then provide recommendations and assistance to them by assessing and evaluating the stranded individuals.
Government Contact Information:
-Office of the President (OP)
Email: http://president.gov.ph/
-Department of Transportation
Tel. Number: (02) 8727 7960
-Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Text Hotline: 0918-912-2813.
-Department of Labor and Employment
24/7 Hotline: 1349
Tel. Number: (02) 8400 6242
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