Howls of protest against the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” Program were raised following reported cases of COVID 19 among the hundreds of people who were sent home to Leyte and Samar from Metro Manila.
While this does not concern us in Mindanao where we have laid out a more intensive and extensive preparation for the implementation of the program, I am coming forward to defend this maligned program and present very clear arguments.
First, the return of stranded individuals to Samar and Leyte was not even the real “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” Program.
It was called “Hatid Probinsya” but for obvious intentions, when COVID 19 cases among the returnees were reported, it was labeled as “Balik Probinsya.”
The real “Balik Probinsya” program, initiated by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go and supported by President Rody Duterte, aims to decongest Metro Manila and other urban centers of informal dwellers by moving them back to their home provinces.
As a rural development advocate, I see this as a signal of the shift of the development focus from the urban centers to the rural areas which in turn will correct the unfair and inequitable sharing of resources.
That is the true essence of the “Balik Probinsya” Program which unfortunately is being blamed for the COVID 19 Cases reported in Leyte and Samar.
Here is my response to this myopic perception of this program.
So, you blame the “Balik Probinsya Program” for the COVID 19 cases in Leyte and Samar?
First, it is not the real “Balik Probinsya” and granting that it is, is that not a shallow understanding of the program?
The COVID 19 cases which were reported after people were moved from Manila to Leyte and Samar were results of operational lapses which we are correcting in our version of Balik in Mindanao.
In our version of the “Balik” Program in Mindanao, we conducted thorough consultations with the Local Government Units and set protocols like strict implementation of health check-up.
We are also establishing the infrastructure on the ground so that the returnees will have a reason to stay like building villages with housing, livelihood and complete value chain.
To the critics, give this program a more profound understanding by conjuring this scenario in your mind:
“Absence of fear of the spread of COVID 19, is the Balik Probinsya a good program?”
Most of your answers (I would not say all because there are really naysayers and nitpickers), would be “Yes” because indeed this is a good program.
Do not condemn the program because of mismanagement issues.
The problem of COVID 19 positive returnees in Samar and Leyte was just a case of the archer missing the mark, not a defective bow and arrow.
Oh, by the way, we are almost ready with our first model Duplex Unit in the Kauswagan Balik Probinsya Resettlement Village.
This village will house the first 200 families who will pay back the cost of the houses through the livelihood projects which the program will provide them – organic broiler chicken and organic vegetable production.
This early, naka kontrata na ang prodükto nila sa isang buyer.
In a week, we will ask Sen. Bong Go to join us in the blessing of the first housing unit built using funds of the Municipality of Kauswagan.
This is the real “Balik Probinsya Program.”
(Photos show the first Duplex unit whose construction was started only a week ago. Next week, it will be completed. Photos courtesy of Mayor Rommel Arnado of Kauswagan.)
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