Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 21) – The Department of Interior and Local Government is considering the possibility of requiring the beneficiaries of “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” program to undergo COVID-19 test before they can return to their home provinces.
DILG Undersecretary RJ Echiverri told the House Committee on Health hearing on Thursday that some provincial governors are worried about the possible surge in coronavirus cases in their localities from migrants who may be infected by COVID-19.
“The fear of some of our governors is it might cause, probably, infection of the population because of the Covid,” Echiverri said. “So we are now looking into a more strict testing before allowing the newcomers to come into the provinces.”
The “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” program was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte early this month under Executive Order No.114. The program aims to “reverse migration” to the National Capital Region and promote development and opportunities in the countryside.
This initiative of the government already kicked-off on May 21, with more than 100 Leyte natives returning to their hometowns. They are part of the first batch of beneficiaries, who will receive allowances as they re-settle to the provinces.
