Led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Field Office IX, the BP2 program convergence activity showcased the program’s wins and accomplishments, remaining targets, and its ways forward in its goal of bringing a better future for Filipino families, especially those who are poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.
DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS OIC National Program Manager Ma. Consuelo O. Acosta presented the national coverage and criteria selection for the BP2 Program while Ms. Ma. Socorry S. Macaso, Assistant Regional Director for Operations of DSWD Field Office IX presented the assistance packages and implementation updates for Region IX. These presentations outlined what the program has achieved so far and what is in store for the program’s future.
In his keynote message, DSWD Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo emphasized that the BP2 program is more than just sending families back to their respective provinces. Rather, the program is about giving Filipinos renewed hope for success in the province.
“Through the Balik Probinsya Program, we are giving families a chance not only to go back to their roots, but also to build bigger and better things in their home provinces as they start a new life. BP2P families are not only program beneficiaries, they are also agents of change, bringing fresh perspectives and new opportunities back to their communities.” noted Sec. Tulfo.
This was echoed by DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Jerico Francis L. Javier who said that “as the name implies, the primary purpose of the BP2 program is to give families renewed hope. To give families “Bagong Pag-asa” that they will have a better and brighter future ahead of them in the province.”
Several BP2 family beneficiaries were also present during the convergence activity. They shared how the BP2 program, through the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, provided them with new opportunities through capability-building interventions. Further, they also shared how the program’s assistance packages supported them not only during their initial transition to live in the province, but also as they build new roots for future development.
To further cement the program as a hallmark of government cooperation towards inclusive, sustainable, and balanced growth and development, the convergence program concluded with a ceremonial commitment signing from various stakeholders including representatives from the different government agencies comprising the BP2 Council.
