The provinces of La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Iloilo are set to welcome back their residents through the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program.

The 50 beneficiaries belonging to 13 families arrived on Monday at the BP2 depot along Agham Road in Quezon City to undergo dispatch proceedings for their Tuesday departure.

Of the total, 15 individuals or four families are bound for La Union, 11 individuals or three families are returning to Ilocos Sur, and 24 individuals or six families are going back to Iloilo.

They underwent orientation and coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) swab tests.

If positive for Covid-19, a 14-day quarantine in a facility must be completed first.

On December 17, another 70 beneficiaries or 19 families are going home to Zamboanga del Norte.

They also went to the BP2 depot on Monday and were transferred by staff of the Oplan Kalinga program, also of the national government, to an isolation facility where they must quarantine for 10 days.

National Housing Authority General Manager and BP2 Council Executive Director Marcelino Escalada Jr. expressed gratitude to all beneficiaries who trusted the program.

“I thank everyone for your sustained trust for the program of the government. Your interest in the program affirmed our goal of helping you and your families. We wish that thru BP2, it gives you new hope, possibilities, and opportunities for a better life in the province,” Escalada said in a message shared with the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

The BP2 program addresses Metro Manila’s congestion by encouraging return to the province, especially among informal settlers, with financial aid and other incentives, like free transportation and livelihood, housing, and education assistance. (PNA)