MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an order institutionalizing the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program, which aims to decongest Metro Manila and promote more robust regional development. ADVERTISEMENTUnder the EO, a Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Council was established to be chaired by the Executive Secretary and with the Socio-Economic Planning Secretary as vice-chairperson. The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Council shall submit a bi-annual report on the implementation of the program to the President. The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution sponsored by Duterte’s long-time aide-turned-Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, urging the executive department to formulate and implement a “Balik Probinsya” program. To recall, a Balik Probinsya program – under the National Convergence Initiatives for Sustainable Rural Development – was also implemented during the administration of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to support urban poor and provide more opportunities to uplift their standards of living.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 06, 2020 10:51 UTC