Qualified beneficiaries of the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa” program may be given housing units, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said Sunday.

In a statement, del Rosario said those who decide to return back to their provinces are possible recipients of housing units, saying there is an available inventory of units through the National Housing Authority (NHA) which are unoccupied and unawarded.

The available units nationwide, he said, were originally intended for members of the uniformed services, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

DHSUD, he said, is “all-out in supporting the Balik Probinsya program not only to decongest highly-urbanized cities but more importantly for the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.”

“Through the NHA, we are ready to offer our available housing units to those who will decide to settle to the countryside and qualified to receive such assistance,” he added, noting that the department has readily offered a total of 2,289 housing units of the NHA in Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon to families affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Del Rosario said the issuance of the EO 114 or “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa” program showed President Rodrigo Duterte’s strong political will to balance development between urbanized areas and the countryside.

“It takes the President’s strong political will in realizing this endeavor meant also in promoting inclusive growth,” he said.

The DHSUD through the NHA, he said, is mandated to provide housing subsidy to those who avail the benefits of resettlement programs in the provinces. (PNA)