Bong Go Balik Probinsya Program Suspended
BONG GO BALIK PROBINSYA – Senator Bong Go’s Balik Probinsya program was suspended as the government shifts focus to those stranded in the capital region.
Go’s Balik Probinsya program aimed to send stranded workers from Metro Manila back home to their provinces. However, the government suspended the program to bring home stranded Overseas Filipino Workeres (OFW).
In the following weeks, the Philippines is expected to have an influx of around 300,000 OFW repatriates. Along with this, construction workers, tourists, and students would also be given priority according to Marcelino Escalada Jr, the program’s executive director.
According to an article from ABS-CBN, he stated:
I decided as a matter of strategy na isuspend muna ang ating rollouts for the Balik Probinsya
We want to make sure that on one hand, the LGUs (local government units) are ready to receive their own constituents by then
The suspension of the program happened just a month into its run. As per the article, Go’s program has brought back home around 100 people to Leyte. Meanwhile, a fresh batch of applicants of Go’s program was expected to be transported this Thursday.
READ: Bong Go Balik Probinsya Program Caused New COVID-19 Cases
But, because of the program, two people from the first batches of returnees were found positive for COVID-19. The two coronavirus-positive individuals came home to Leyte, which previously had zero cases of the coronavirus.
However, the program was heavily criticized due to its lack of coordination with local government units. Moreover, people voice concerns that without mass testing, bringing back people to their provinces might bring in local transmission of COVID-19.
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