The third batch of Balik-Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program (BP2) beneficiaries comprised of 8 individuals arrived at Camarines Sur on March 11, 2021. The BP2 aims to provide a better way of living to disadvantaged families and individuals especially informal settlers by permanent relocation to the province. Supported by the various government assistance programs, BP2 aims to combat the congestion in urban areas in Metro Manila as well as the increase in poverty and hunger due to unemployment since the start of COVID-19.
One of the beneficiaries is 41-year-old mother of five, Nerry C. Ibarrientos, from Zone 6, Barangay New San Roque, Pili. She used to reside in Quezon City with her family. Unlike the other beneficiaries who travelled with their families, Ibarrientos applied to the program and travelled alone. Her husband and three younger children are already in the province.
She tearfully shared how she feels being finally home in the province, “Tuwang-tuwa po ako kasi makakasama ko na ang mga anak ko. Nagpaiwan po kasi ako sa Maynila at nag-kasambahay para makapadala sa kanila (dito). Umuwi na paisa-isa yung pamilya ko dito. Kaya pasalamat ako na nakauwi na kami dito sa Camarines Sur. Pasalamat din ako sa mga nag-assist sa amin mula doon sa Maynila hanggang dito.”
According to Ibarrientos, her husband was a jeepney driver and lost his job due to travel restrictions. To survive, her husband asked for money from other people. This went on for months before they decided to move back to Bicol to look for other opportunities.
“Inaasahan ko po na sana magbago na ang pamumuhay namin dito sa probinsya, magkaroon na din kami ng sariling bahay. Napakaimportante po para sa akin ang pagkakaroon ng programang ganito dahil maraming tumutulong sa amin,” she hopefully added.
Upon the arrival of the BP2 beneficiaries to the facility, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur distributed hygiene kits and sleeping kits and conducted medical check-ups and swab test before the beneficiaries were isolated in Calabanga Isolation Facility. Two beneficiaries tested positive upon arrival to the facility.
On the 21st of March, 2022, pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 1 on people who travelled outside the province, the beneficiaries finished their 10-day quarantine.
Before the beneficiaries were sent off to their respective hometowns in the province, representatives from different government agencies such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a series of brief orientations regarding the support that the beneficiaries will receive as aid to their transition of living in the province.
TESDA will be offering a scholarship program for skills training to the beneficiaries according to their set of skills and interests. Also, the beneficiaries will receive a daily allowance amounting to P 160 in addition to the new normal benefits amounting to P 1,000 for the uniform and internet.
Meanwhile, DICT will offer trainings and seminars on digital literacy that may help the beneficiaries become future entrepreneurs. They may also use these trainings as advantage for their job applications under the Tech4Ed Project.
The beneficiaries who will be venturing into entrepreneurship will also be supported by DTI by providing them with starter kits and assistance to sustain their livelihood.
In relation to DTI, CDA will also provide assistance to beneficiaries who are willing to be part of their cooperative and will be assisted through orientations, referrals, and registration for their chosen business.
Lastly, DSWD will provide them with financial assistance, such as transitory family support package, livelihood settlement grants, and transitory shelter assistance to assist in their transition.
Even after two years since the COVID-19 restrictions in the country, unemployment rates and hunger are yet to improve especially for the disadvantaged households in the Metro. In hopes of building a better future that may also help boost the countryside development, the National Government, with the hands-on support of the Government Agencies and Local Government Units, encourage people who are struggling to survive their everyday lives in the city to join the Balik Probinsya Program.
