STARTING A NEW LIFE. A Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program beneficiary in Caramoan, Camarines Sur received on Dec. 29, 2021 a transitory family support package and livelihood settlement grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol. The BP2 program is one of the government support measures to decongest urban poor communities. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-Bicol)
LEGAZPI CITY – At least 172 families in Camarines Sur have received assistance in the total amount of PHP15 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 5 (Bicol) under the "Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2)" program.
Ranelle Anne Sertan, BP2 information officer, in an interview on Wednesday, said the payout last December 29 was held in Caramoan with 83 beneficiaries; Iriga City with 21 beneficiaries; Nabua with 26 beneficiaries; Pasacao with 16 beneficiaries; and San Jose with 26 beneficiaries.
"The transitory family support package is a financial support ranging from PHP10,000.00 to PHP50,000 that will cover the food and non-food items needed by the family during the transition phase while the livelihood settlement grant is a start-up financial assistance not exceeding PHP50,000 to help beneficiaries establish their sources of income or livelihood," she said.
Sertan said the 172 families enlisted for the BP2 with the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) in their respective areas upon their arrival.
She added that last December, some 21 families also received benefits under the BP2 but they registered for the program in the National Capital Region where they came from.
Rosalie M. Barizo, regional program coordinator, in a statement, said the latest beneficiaries who returned to their communities with the intention to permanently reside there were identified and assessed by their respective local government units through the LSWDOs.
“All family beneficiaries received varying amounts of assistance depending on the assessment of the social worker,” she noted.
Barizo said families or individuals interested in availing of the BP2 benefits may apply through the official website of the program at www.balikprobinsya.gov.ph or visit the LSWDO for intake and assessment.
The BP2 program is one of the support measures of the government to decongest urban poor communities. It also aims to provide opportunities to families from urban areas who are affected by the pandemic, displaced workers, or those who are susceptible to health and safety risks and other environmental hazards.
The program, through the DSWD, offers transportation assistance, transitory family support package, livelihood settlement grants, transitory shelter assistance, and/or psycho-social support to family beneficiaries while community grants may be provided for municipalities with more than 20 BP2 family beneficiaries. (PNA)
