Over 4,000 Filipinos availed Balik Probinsya Program —NHA

Over 4,000 Filipinos have benefitted from the government’s “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” (BP2) program, the National Housing Authority (NHA) said Tuesday.

“Sa ngayon sa kabuuan may 4,214 principals. Kung isasama natin ang miyembro ng kani-kanilang pamilya, we have a total of 15,215 individuals,” NHA B2 head Joy Bala said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

(In total, there are 4,214 principals. If we add their family members, that will be 15, 215 individuals.)

“Ito po ay kombinasyon ng regular na pagpapauwi ng NHA at pagpapauwi ng DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development],” she said.

(This is a combination of the regular program of NHA and DSWD.)

It can be recalled that the Duterte administration started the BP2 program during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to help those who are living in Metro Manila to return to their home provinces.

Bala said the service covered beneficiaries from almost all provinces in the country with some going home to La Union, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, and Camarines Norte.

Other areas included all provinces of Region 5, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Agusan.

The NHA assured the public that those who availed the program will receive assistance from government agencies and their respective local government units (LGUs).

“As soon as they arrive in their destination mayroong ibinibigay ang mga probinsya (assistance will be provided to them),” said Bala.

“Aside from that, the member-agencies of the BP2 program…may ibinibigay pa rin po. Ang kailangan lang ay certificate of eligibility na binibigay ng  NHA bilang patunay na beneficiary ng BP2 program,” she added.

(Aside from that, the member agencies of the BP2 program…will also provide assistance. They only need to present a certificate of eligibility from the NHA proving that they are beneficiaries of the BP2 program.)

Asked how many housing projects have been turned over to the beneficiaries, the official said she cannot disclose the exact figures.

She, however, said the NHA is currently constructing two more major housing projects in Zamboanga del Norte and Lanao.

“Patuloy ang pagpapagawa ng mga bahay  doon at patuloy ang qualification process ng mga BP2 beneficiaries na nagnanais na mag-avail ng  housing benefits mula sa NHA,” she said.

(The construction of the housing project is ongoing as well as the qualification process of the BP2 beneficiaries who want to avail the housing benefits from NHA.)

Bala advised those who are interested to avail the housing program to visit their website. They may also visit the NHA main office in Quezon City or inquire at the nearest DSWD office.—AOL, GMA News