The payout of cash assistance for beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program in Bohol and Cebu is now rolling out as the symbolic acceptance and turnover ceremony of beneficiaries to local government units (LGUs) was conducted on November 25.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 provided transportation and cash assistance ranging from Php 10,000 to Php 68,000 to returning families from the National Capital Region (NCR).

The cash assistance under BP2 Program was disbursed to the recipients from the municipalities of Tubigon, Carmen, Garcia Hernandez, Duero, Alicia, Dimiao, and San Isidro in Bohol Province. Likewise, beneficiaries from some municipalities in Cebu, including San Remigio, Dalaguete, Argao, Bantayan, Santa Fe, Madridejos, and Barili also received cash assistance.

To date, DSWD-7 has released more than Php 2.2 million transitional support for food, electricity, water, and other needs of some 130 families who have returned to their respective communities.

“Gikan ko og Manila ug mabdos ko nga niuli diri sa Bohol. Apan ang kaayo sa maong programa ang naghatag kanako og paglaum nga adunay nindot nga oportunidad nga nagpaabot kanako sa akong pagbalik sa among komunidad (I came from Manila, and I am pregnant as I returned to Bohol. The program is good, and it gives me hope that opportunity awaits for me upon my return to my community),” Janeth S. Dumondo, a call center agent, said as she expressed gratitude to the program.

Meanwhile, the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), the implementing program of DSWD for BP2P, conducted psychosocial support activity on November 25 to the returning families in San Remigio, Cebu, to assess their situation and reintegration in their new communities.

The BP2 program will also provide other interventions, particularly community grants for LGUs with 20 returned families to fund projects such as farm-to-market roads, isolation facilities, among others. KALAHI-CIDSS will provide P7.5 million community grants to fund the highly-prioritized needs of eligible municipalities.

Alicia Municipal Mayor Victoriano C. Torres III shared his excitement on the additional funding to his constituents and encouraged families to provide the necessary support needed by DSWD. “We are grateful for this initiative – the return of our families and the kindness that DSWD extended to us through this community grant,” said Mayor Torres. ###