The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program of the national government is sending home 16 more beneficiaries to Northern Samar.

The beneficiaries from a total of four families arrived early Monday at the BP2 depot in Agham Road, Quezon City for the dispatch procedure.

Hopeful for a better life as soon as they return to their home province, Emma Morillo Sorio, 40, is excited to be going home to Catarman in Northern Samar together with her partner, Harold Herreras, 46, and their four children.

“Masaya ako maraming natutulungan sa Balik Probinsya. Tinutulungan nila yung mga wala ng pag asa. Masaya ako na merong ganitong programa, makakauwi kami ng sabay sabay (I am happy that Balik Probinsya is able to help many people. They are helping people who start to lose hope. I am happy that with this program we all go home to the province together),” Sorio said.

The latest batch of BP2 beneficiaries is scheduled to depart Manila for Northern Samar on Tuesday.

The beneficiaries are required to arrive at the BP2 depot a day ahead of their departure schedule to undergo dispatch procedures that include the Covid-19 swab test.

With a negative swab test result, they will undergo verification and evaluation by the National Housing Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development on the assistance which may be given to them.

They will also undergo a medical assessment by the Department of Health (DOH).

Among the medical interventions given by the DOH includes the provision of free medicines and vitamins, DOH Undersecretary Charade Mercado-Grande said.

The agency also provides wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and walkers to beneficiaries if needed.

The DOH has extended medical services to some 557 individuals who recently returned to Leyte, Davao del Norte, Isabela, Camarines Sur, Apayao, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Cebu, Bohol Negros Oriental, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, and Zamboanga del Norte via the BP2 program.

In May 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 114, institutionalizing the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa” program that aims to address overcrowding in Metro Manila’s urban areas and assist informal settlers to return to their home provinces for a fresh start. (PNA)