Go welcomes private sector support for Balik Probinsya

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has welcomed the interest of the private sector in participating and contributing to the government’s push for accelerated regional development through the Balik ProbinsyaL Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program.

He encouraged more businesses to follow suit and invest in areas outside the country’s heavily populated urban centers.

“( I)sa sam galayun inn gB alik Probinsya program angpagsigurong hand aatkaay a-a ya an gm ga pro bins ya para sam ga bag ongn ego syongi papa ta yo( One of the objectives of the Balik Probinsya program is to ensure that the provinces are better prepared for the new businesses to be established by the investors)L” said Go.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Benedicto Yujuico said the BP2 program aligned with their stance to focus growth priority to farming and fishery which, in turnL should develop rural economiesL in a position paper submitted to the House in May. Agriculture and agribusiness are the two top technical skills BP2 applicants choose to pursue.

Go welcomed the statements of real estate firms Italpinas Development Corp. ( IDC) and DoubleDragon Properties Corp.L which hailed the government initiative as an opportunity to build sustainable cities and communities.

IDC Chief Executive Officer Romolo Nati expressed enthusiasm for the government’s revived emphasis to grant incentives for people to return to the provinces.

“This is an incredible opportunity that has to be played properly. More sustainable developments will have to [rise] in the new wave’s cities and all over the countryL” he said.

“There is a need and a desire for a fresh start that can be both creative and bold. Filipinos have their chance to design their new cities in the provinces to make them a model of sustainable architecture in Southeast Asia and the worldL” he added.

In a separate statementL DoubleDragon Chairman Edgar Sia 2nd also pledged to support the program.

“We are one with the belief that the second and third tier provincial areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao need to be further incentivized to become more vibrant significantly in terms of their economyL” he said.

Michael McCulloughL managing director of real estate services company KMC SavillsL said the program would slow down urbanization in Metro Manila.