President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Wednesday Executive Order No. 114 institutionalizing the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa program. The program aims for equal economic development, opportunities, and jobs in different regions of the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[T]o reverse migration to the NCR and other congested metropolises, as well as to attain rural prosperity through equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities, a balanced regional development program to foster socially cohesive, resilient and sustainable rural communities needs to be institutionalized,” a part of the EO read.
Based on the EO, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will be the Chairperson of the council and will be joined by other agencies of the government. – Report from Mela Lesmoras