CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 22 (PIA)--Assisting citizens to go back to their home region or province, the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) Program now targets Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon as pilot areas in the region, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 announced, May 22.

In the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force Press Conference, DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe said through the program, the National Government and local government units (LGUs) of LDN and Bukidnon are expected to provide short to long term assistance such as opportunities for employment or livelihood, and immediate assistance as well as fees for transportation.

Thus, Agabe talked with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Manny Pinol to ensure that the LGUs have enough support for their infrastructure and small-scale industries to further aid in the pilot areas' opportunities for employment.

Doing so will help the residents "magpadayon na nga magpuyo sa ilang mga tagsa-tagsa nga mga lugar mahitungod nga wala nama'y panginahanglan. Anaa naman sila'y panginabuhian kung asa sila nga probinsiya," Agabe said.

(continue living in their respective places because there is no need to do so. They already have means of living where they are residing)

Once settled, the regional director urged the LGUs to ensure that the residents will adopt the 'new normal' that comprised the strict observance of physical distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, and limited mass gathering.

"Magkinahanglan kini ug disiplina gikan sa atong katawhan (We will need the discipline coming from the citizens)" especially in establishments, transportation and public areas to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, Agabe added.

The (BP2) Program aims to to drive inclusive and balanced urban and rural development, ensure rural prospertiy and complement initiatives towards attaining resilient and sustainable communities. (RTP/PIA10)