DSWD eyes taking charge of Balik Probinsya program –official

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is eyeing to make the proposed Balik Probinsya program to decongest Metro Manila as one of the agency’s major initiatives.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, DSWD Policy and Plans Assistant Secretary Joyce Niwane said the Social Welfare department has social workers that can conduct study on what kind of intervention will be provided for Filipinos who will relocate to the provinces.

“Dapat gawing pangunahing programa ito ng aming ahensya,” Niwane said.

“Pinag-uusapan po ng ating departmento kung sino ang pwedeng mag-facilitate,” she said.

Senator Christopher “Bong Go” is pushing for decongesting Metro Manila as part of post-COVID-19 normalization efforts. 

The Balik Probinsya program, Go said, is a long-term solution to prevent other future outbreaks, and with reduced population density, the local government units in Metro Manila would be able to respond better to health crises.

Niwane said that in implementing  the program, a social case study is necessary to determine if re-locators to rural places will have sustainable livelihoods.

“Kapag sila ay lilipat ng lalawigan, kakausapin natin sila. Dapat sigurado sila na may tutulong sa kanila doon, may bahay sila o maayos ang kanilang sitwasyon,” she said.

“Maaari ring mabigyan ng livelihood o kabuhayan ang makikinabang sa Balik Probinsiya program,” she noted.

The DSWD official said that the agency will inform its respective social workers in various areas once residents of Metro Manila decide to relocate to their provinces.

“Decongestion, hindi mangyayari kung walang magandang opportunity sa mga probinsya,” Niwane pointed out.

“Maaari silang mag-apply sa programa sa kanilang mga LGU o sa ating mga regional offices,” she said. —Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News