BP2 rolls out in SOCCSKSARGEN Region with 26 Assisted beneficiaries By Myra L. Sajo, NEDA XII KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The return of the 26 Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa (BP2) Program beneficiaries was successfully facilitated on March 24, 2022 through the efforts and assistance of the National BP2 Program Dispatch Operations Team, National Housing Authority (NHA) XII in partnership with the City/ Provincial Local Government Units, and the Regional Offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The 26 individual beneficiaries were from General Santos City (4), South Cotabato province (2), Sarangani province (10), Sultan Kudarat (5), and Cotabato province (3). They arrived safely in the region via the General Santos City Airport. They were personally greeted and welcomed by the NHA XII Regional Manager, Engr. Zenaida M. Cabiles together with her staff, and Representatives from DSWD XII, TESDA XII and City/Provincial LGUs. The beneficiaries underwent COVID-19 RT-PCR Tests and 7-day quarantine period for free, through the assistance of their respective LGUs. This is part of the program’s objectives of completely ensuring the beneficiaries safe return. The National Dispatch Operations Team of NHA Central Office facilitated the booking and purchase of plane tickets for
the 26 beneficiaries. They also received free food packs and free transportation from the airport to their temporary shelters, courtesy of the LGU. Part of the highlights of the dispatch operation was the distribution of initial cash assistance to all beneficiaries upon their arrival in order to ease their transition as they start living anew in the region. The 26 program beneficiaries are also set to receive further aid and assistance from the LGUs, RLAs and other stakeholders in the form of livelihood starter kits, trainings for skills development, scholarship interventions, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and other transitory family support and packages to help them settle in their respective provinces. From 2,517 total BP2 Program applicants/enrollees for Region XII as of August 26, 2021, it was cut down to 107 qualified beneficiaries per NHA dashboard as of September 16, 2021. Finally,
26 individuals from 7 families were considered eligible to avail of the program through series of validations conducted by NHA, DSWD and LGUs. They have made their final decision to go back to their respective provinces with hopes of starting afresh and rebuilding their lives. It took about one year to complete the whole process, from the evaluation of applicants to processing of qualified applications, consultations with LGUs and agencies until finally, the dispatch of beneficiaries to their home provinces to be reunited with their families and relatives. To continue ensuring a balanced regional development and equitable distribution of the country’s wealth, resources and opportunities for countryside development and inclusive growth, the BP2 actors in the region will continue to realize the program’s mandates to bring more people back to their home provinces.
JANUARY - MARCH 2022 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
9
