DILG backs Balik Probinsiya program under COVID-19 rehabilitation phase
Published April 26, 2020 7:15pm
The Department of the Interior and Local Government favors the proposed “Balik Probinsiya” program as it could be a long-term solution to avert a second wave of coronavirus infections in congested Metro Manila.
Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday said the DILG supports Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s bid to relocate residents of Metro Manila to their provinces of origin when the COVID-19 crisis is over.
Año observed that the coronavirus, being highly contagious, spreads extensively in urbanized areas.
He pointed out that Senator Go’s Balik Probinsiya program can be “one of the long term solutions” to the congestion in the nation’s capital.
“Malaki ang populasyon ng Metro Manila kaya napapanahon at sang-ayon kami sa magandang mungkahi ni Senator Go. The proposed decongestion of Metro Manila is a timely measure at kailangan po natin ito,” Año said.
Under the program, Go proposed that incentives and livelihood opportunities should be provided to Filipinos who will agree to relocate to the provinces in the post-quarantine period.
But Año pointed out that local government units nationwide, with the aid of the national government, should be prepared to address the relocation needs of citizens.
“Kung mangyayari ito, hinihikayat natin ang mga LGU na as early as now ay mag-isip na ng mga hakbang para matugunan ang pagdating ng mga kababayan nilang magsisi-uwian mula sa Metro Manila,” he said.
Further, he stressed that while Go’s proposal is a good initiative, “specific guidelines should be needed before it can be rolled out. But he admitted, “Malaki ang potensyal nito na makatutulong sa ating mga kababayan.”
He said Go’s proposal might also put an end to recurring problems such as worsening traffic, uneven development, poor sanitation, poor health care and over population in urban areas.
Based on the Department of Health’s online tracker, 4,916 out of the total 7,579 COVID-19 cases in the country are in Metro Manila. In the region alone, there are 338 fatalities and 516 recoveries.
As of Sunday, the Philippines’ reported 7,579 COVID-19 cases with 862 recoveries and 501 deaths. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LBG, GMA News
