The “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” (BP2) program for individuals or families wishing to go back to their provinces will facilitate the travel of 408 more beneficiaries this month.

The government will send home the program recipients to the Bicol, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and Soccsksargen regions, according to Agnes Agay, BP2 secretariat and administrative support head of the National Housing Authority (NHA).

“So, today (Friday) po we were able to dispatch already about 551 beneficiaries and families,” Agay said at the Laging Handa briefing.

She added the BP2 program is also assisting beneficiaries endorsed by local government units (LGUs).

The NHA and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conduct the verification and evaluation of applicants.

Those who wish to avail of the BP2 program may visit www.balikprobinsiya.ph or call 0919-0657896 and 0919-0692530.

“Open po itong programa to all the regions. Wala pong paghihigpit. Depende na lang po kung willing ang mga local government units to accept the beneficiaries na na-screen po natin dito sa center po natin, dito po sa ating contact center at (This program is open to all regions. There are no restrictions. It will also depend on the local government units if they are willing to accept the beneficiaries screened here in our contact center and at the) DSWD,” Agay said.

BP2 beneficiaries are provided certain packages and assistance upon return to their provinces.

“May (there are) package o benefits for all those who are validated by DSWD and eligible for the program na binibigay ang mga ahensya na (provided by the agencies) involved in the implementation of the program,” she said.

The BP2 program aims to resolve Metro Manila’s congestion by encouraging return to the province, especially among informal settlers, with financial aid and other incentives like free transportation and livelihood, housing, and education assistance. (PNA)