The number of Metro Manila residents who will enroll in the government’s Balik Probinsiya program could hit as many as one million in six months. If the current pace of applications continues, the National Housing Authority (NHA) chief said Tuesday,
NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., said at the Laging Handa. He said briefing that 5,000 people have been enrolled in the system since applications opened last Friday.
He said eight local governments, including Leyte, Camarines Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Pangasinan, Quirino and Marinduque. In addition, they have indicated they are on board the project for Metro Manila residents.
Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order establishing the Bagong Pag-asa Council of Balik Probinsiya, which will direct the implementation of the government initiative intended to decongest Metro Manila and encourage rural growth.
Escalada, the executive director of the council, has said they have plans for immediate and long-term intervention.
The Provinces Plan for Eight Departments of Governments
The first refers to individuals who plan to return to the provinces before the end of the year. Second, for those who willing take part then include eight departments of government, including education, social services, agriculture, and trade, to facilitate the transfer.
Next year, developments could come with new initiatives and new budgets. In addition, the long-term would include policies and legislation. For instance, decentralization of government, opening up new economic zones, and increasing tax incentives for companies operating in the provinces, the official said.
“The best choice in our council right now is to look more or less at the potential of agricultural growth, and all other possibilities that await our people in the province,” he said at the livestreamed briefing.
The official stressed that the system is voluntary. And then, that incentives will be provided to the enrollments and the receiving local government units.
For his part, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo del Rosario (DHSUD) said the condition. As a matter of fact, NHA department has more than 3,000 housing units available. They were in the form of various regions for those who would like to return to their provinces immediately.
