1st batch of ‘Balik Probinsya’ beneficiaries arrives in Leyte

PALO, Leyte – The first batch of the “Balik Probinsya” program beneficiaries arrived here Thursday night, a report from the office of the provincial government of Leyte said Friday.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla led the entourage that welcomed the beneficiaries, and disclosed that 112 individuals, on board five buses from Metro Manila, arrived at the holding and assessment area at the Government Center in barangay Candahug, this town, at about 9:30 p.m.

Petilla said that the first batch of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BPBPP) left Manila for Leyte Wednesday afternoon.

Petilla said that the 122 individuals were fetched by their respective municipal or city government representatives where they live.

The governor disclosed that before leaving for their respective destinations, the 112 individuals were subjected to swab testing.

He explained that, while the returning residents were waiting for the result of their tests, they will be housed in their respective municipal or city quarantine facilities.

If the result of the swab test returns as negative, they will be allowed to go home. Those who will test positive of the virus will be brought to the provincial facilities for treatment, he added.

The Leyte provincial government has already prepared isolation units for those who will test positive of the virus. This facility is located at the Leyte Academic Center Gymnasium in barangay Candahug, this town. The facility has 130 beds.

Petilla said that Leyte, as one of the pilot provinces of the program, initiated the preparation after President Duterte signed last May 6 the Executive Order No. 114, or the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa Program.