BP2 beneficiaries exceed 2022 target

BENEFICIARIES of Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program exceeded this year’s target number, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-Davao) said.

In a virtual presser with PIADavao on May 16, Lee Berdos of DSWD-Davao said a total of 219 families will receive benefits from the BP2 program. It has only targeted 150 families for 2022.

“Last year, we have served a total of 73 families out of 60 na target. Fortunately, naka-exceed na pod ta, second-quarter palang (We have exceeded though we are still in the second quarter). With 214 returned families and five families under DSWD Dispatched,” she said.

Berdos said these “returned families” are among the unique beneficiaries of DSWD-Davao as amended in the Memorandum Circular no. 12 of 2021.

“Ang atoang gina-cater is mga (Who we cater are) locally stranded families not individuals, considering low-income families sila, and affected by the pandemic. Even if affected sila sa (they are affected from) demolition, eviction, mga government projects. Even mga families living on the streets in Davao City or other highly urbanized areas wishing to return to their province,” she said.

As the pilot province, Davao del Norte hosts many eligible BP2 families in the entire region covering a total of nine local government units.

DSWD-Davao’s BP2 program offers four types of assistance depending on the family’s status and needs.

Transportation or relocation assistance are received only by the regular or principal beneficiaries.

Families with low-paying jobs or jobless are granted a Transitory Family Support Package amounting to P50,000 in three months.

Meanwhile, both Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) and Transitory Shelter Assistance amounting to P50,000 per family beneficiary will help them establish their livelihood and construction of their houses.

However, Berdos emphasized beneficiaries will not be given housing immediately after returning to the province.

“Pag-abot nila diri, dili pod dayun na sila mahatagan ug pabahay tungod nagahulat ta sa guidelines sa (As they arrive here, they cannot immediately receive housing because we are waiting for the guidelines of National Housing Authority) NHA, especially sa NHA XI (Davao Region),” she said, adding that DSWD-Davao can only facilitate ‘immediate needs.’ (Read full story on sunstar.com.ph/davao)