Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally met with and extended additional assistance to the latest batch of beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program who are set to return to their hometowns in Zamboanga del Norte.
In strict compliance with the health protocols against COVID 19, Go and his team conducted the aid distribution for a total of 70 individuals, composed of 19 principal beneficiaries and 51 family members, at the BP2 Depot in Quezon City, on Thursday, December 16.
The senator and his staff distributed meals, food packs, vitamins and masks, as well as new cellular phones and shoes to all the residents.
Go then wished the beneficiaries a safe trip and assured them of the government’s continued support as they resettle and start anew back in their province.
The BP2 program is a long-term plan of the government to decongest Metro Manila and boost the development of the countryside. In May 2020, President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 114 which institutionalized the program. The EO came about after Go authored Senate Resolution No. 380, which the Senate adopted in the same month.
At the height of more stringent COVID-19 quarantine measures, rollouts were temporarily suspended to give way to the Hatid Tulong initiative, a transportation assistance program which helps locally stranded individuals return to their provinces.
Meanwhile, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided the beneficiaries Transitory Family Support Package, transportation assistance and additional financial aid under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
The Department of Health, in turn, distributed medicines and vitamins while the Department of Agriculture gave away boxes of sardines and assured the beneficiaries of further assistance once they return to Zamboanga del Norte. The Department of Trade and Industry, on the other hand, conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries of its livelihood assistance program.
To further ensure the beneficiaries’ health and well-being, Go strongly reminded them to remain vigilant and cooperate with the local quarantine restrictions. He called on all eligible individuals to complete their COVID-19 shots as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.
The senator also pledged to further help those with medical concerns so they can get the treatment they need. He likewise advised them to seek medical assistance from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center in Dipolog City or Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Dapitan City. (Noel Abuel)
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