The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI, through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and partner national government agencies (NGAs) officially turned over the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program beneficiaries from Davao del Norte to LGU officials, during its symbolic turn over and acceptance event, last July 13, at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City.

The activity was held to formally turn over the beneficiaries to their respective LGUs, signifying the LGUs’ commitment to look after the beneficiaries, provide after-care services, and link them to the other member agencies that could supply their other needs.

Sixty-six (66) beneficiaries coming from different parts of Davao Region were present to formally receive their Certificates of Eligibility (COE) and Case Folios.

Present at the event were the implementing agencies of the BP2 program, namely, DSWD XI, the program secretariat, National Housing Authority (NHA) XI, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI, Department of Agriculture (DA) XI, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) XI, Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) XI, and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XI, and some DavNor LGU, and local social welfare and development officers.

The event was also graced by DSWD XI’s Regional Director, Atty. Vanessa Goc-ong, Asst. Regional Directors, Ronald Ryan Cui and Merlinda Paragamac, Promotive Services Division Chief, Elizabeth Degorio, KALAHI-CIDSS Regional Program Coordinator, Lani Cudino, and BP2 program focal, Lee Mecris Berdos.

Representatives from partner NGAs were in attendance, including Atty. Sonny Paul Cirunay of NHA XI, Rodrigo Roble, Jr., of DOLE XI, and Nelson Plata from Davao del Norte Provincial Government, to name a few.

The Office of Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go also distributed in-kind supplies and cash assistance to each family beneficiary present at the event.

The BP2 program is an inter-agency program that aims to provide comprehensive services to families returning to their provinces as well as funding assistance to LGUs in order to improve access to basic services.

DSWD, through the KALAHI-CIDSS program, has provided millions of cash grants to the beneficiaries, which they have used to purchase everyday necessities and finance their start-up businesses.

Furthermore, the BP2 Program is one of the support measures that could lead to the decongestion of urban poor communities with a high incidence of COVID-19, contributing to the achievement of balanced regional development. ###