Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday, June 3 said the incoming Marcos administration should pursue the “Balik Probinsya” program in order to accelerate regional development so that more Filipinos living in rural areas can enjoy greater economic opportunities in the long run.
Go is referring to the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program which he said would give more Filipinos hope for a better future after struggling from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We urge the new administration to continue implementing the BP2 program which aims to give our people new hope if they choose to return to their provinces and live there permanently,” Go said in a statement.
“And not just continue, but we also hope the next administration should improve its implementation. We all have the same goals—to make sure all Filipinos can live comfortable lives wherever they live in the country,” he said.
Go made the call after Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, head of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), urged the incoming Marcos administration to examine and evaluate the continuation of the BP2 program, saying that it will promote inclusive economic development across the country.
Part of their advocacy, Perez said is to equalize opportunities nationwide by resolving income disparity, noting how those in the National Capital Region (NCR) and CALABARZOn are enjoying higher incomes than in many other regions.
“(We) hope that theBalik Probinsya Program will be really studied in the next administration and will include the population dynamics,” Perez said.