Davao del Norte provincial government officials welcomed Friday six families that availed of the government’s “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program” (BP2)

In a statement, the National Housing Authority in Region 11 (NHA-11) said families consisting of 19 individuals are from Tagum City, Panabo City, Kapalong, and Sto. Tomas, all in Davao del Norte province. They all arrived by plane at the Davao International Airport (DIA) here.

Zenaida M. Cabiles, NHA-11 manager, said the beneficiaries are pioneer recipients of the BP2 program after the province agreed to accommodate them.

“They are those living at the National Capital Region (NCR) who are either affected by the pandemic, displaced workers, or living in dangerous areas who wished to go home to their provinces voluntarily,” Cabiles.

Cabiles said the NHA is tasked to provide technical and administrative support by coordinating with various local government units (LGUs) and facilitating their return.

Jorina Sevilla, one of the beneficiaries of the program, said they were only renting a house in Quezon City and could no longer afford to pay for their unit, especially during the pandemic.

“Living there is so hard, and we could no longer afford it,” Sevilla said in vernacular.

Noel Daquiag, Davao del Norte provincial tourism officer, said the families will be temporarily housed in an isolation facility before they will be allowed to return to their places.

Daquiag the families will receive long-term assistance that includes livelihood programs.

A brainchild of Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, the BP2 program aims to decongest Metro Manila and other urban centers and promote growth in the regions.

Under the program, recipients would receive government aid such as transportation, cash, and livelihood assistance as part of the relocation package.

The program, contained in Executive Order No. 114 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in May this year, aims “to ensure balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities through policies and programs that boost countryside development and inclusive growth, provide adequate social services, and promote full employment, industrialization and improved quality of life in rural areas.” (PNA)