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Balik Probinsya recipients hope for 'fresh start' in Agusan Sur

By PNA

Manila, Oct. 22 -- sa Program" (BP2) program has paved the way for a fresh start for many Filipinos looking for a reset, 60-year-old Lucrecia Andres said.

Andres, one of the latest BP2 beneficiaries, said she has faced immense challenges while selling vegetables amid pandemic-induced restrictions last year.

"Matanda naman na ako pero heto ako at nagtitinda ng gulay para may maipakain sa mga apo ako. Mas maganda pa sa probinsya, mas maraming pwedeng gawin kahit matanda ka na. (I'm already old but I'm still here selling vegetables to put food on the table. Life is better in the province since you can do more things there even if you're old)," Andres said.

Andres has been attending to the needs of her three young grandchildren, whose parents left home for greener pasture.

"Hindi na nga ako umaasa pa na maaprubahan, pero sa awa ng Diyos ito kami ngayon at pauwi na. Malaki ang pasasalamat namin. (I was not even hoping to be approved but here we are. We express our deep gratitude)," Andres said.

All the beneficiaries bound for Agusan del Sur, four of whom are minors, underwent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) tests on Oct. 21 to ensure that they are not infected with Covid-19.

After testing negative for Covid-19, the recipients departed from the BP2 Depot in Quezon City on Friday morning and were flown via air travel to Butuan Airport in the afternoon.

Institutionalized under Executive Order 114, series of 2020, the BP2 program is an initiative of the national government created to address the congestion in Metro Manila's urban areas.

Government agencies guide the beneficiaries throughout this transition by providing additional support and incentives on transportation, livelihood, family needs, subsistence, education, housing, and others.

The BP2 program has sent families back to Leyte, Isabela, Davao del Norte, Apayao, and parts of Bicol.

Families and individuals who want to go back to their home provinces for good to start a new life with the aid of the BP2 program may contact 0919-0657896 or 0919-0692530, Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/balikprobinsya.ph or via the official website www.en.balikprobinsya.ph.