Stimulus package for Balik Probinsya Program sought

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 1 (PIA) – Zamboanga Sibugay Province Governor Wilter Y. Palma urged the national government to create stimulus package for the Balik-Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2).
 
During the 4th Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Region IX videoconference on Wednesday, Governor Palma pointed out the need for resources for BP2 program to be successful.
 
“Bottomline is do we have the money to sustain the program?” Governor Palma asked while he lauded the BP2 program.
 
He asked the regional task force to create this stimulus package in order to generate jobs and revive the glooming economy that most local governments are experiencing at this time of pandemic. He feared that the program will fail if not enough fund support will be provided.
 
The National Housing Authority-9 (NHA) explained that the BP2 concept as stipulated in Executive Order No. 114 is geared towards balanced development of urban and rural areas that revolves around four key areas, namely: food security and agricultural productivity; social welfare, health and employment; development of infrastructure; and empowerment of local industries.
 
NHA said that BP2 has three phases: one, is Immediate (short term) where the focus is on individuals or families who are willing to go back to their provinces of origin now, i.e. to date until December 2020. Second, the Mediate (medium term until 2022), which focuses on those willing to go back right now, sooner or later to the province of origin or preferred areas with ongoing economic opportunities. But this is purposive or a deliberate action of government where elements are readily available and accessible. And, the third is Ways Forward (long term up to 2030) wherein the focus is on initiatives of government and private sectors that will spearhead rural development and creation of new urban centers.
 
Meanwhile, Arthur N. De Guzman of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that section 2 of EO 114 mandates the creation of BP2 Council, wherein the Regional Development Councils (RDC) shall serve as the counterparts at the regional level. This is to ensure balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources, and opportunities. And also, to boost countryside development and inclusive growth, provide adequate social services, and promote full employment, industrialization, and an improved quality of life in rural areas.
 
During the 169th regular meeting on June 18, RDC-IX passed a resolution approving the creation of the special BP2 Committee which will be chaired by Cabinet Officer for Regional Development & Security (CORDS)-9 Rolando Joselito D. Bautista. The committee shall coordinate BP2 activities in the region and act on matters needing immediate attention as RDC receives guidance and instructions from BP2 Council. It shall also advise the RDC on resolutions that need to be formulated to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the Regional BP2 Action Plan. (NBE/RVC/PIA9-Basilan)