CALOOCAN CITY, July 25 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday said around 8,000 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) are set to go back to their home provinces on July 25-26, 2020, through the Hatid Tulong program.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Ano said the government remains committed to ensure that LSIs will be able to go home to their provinces safe and sound. He said that the second installment of Hatid Tulong program will bring home some 8,408 LSIs exceeding the initial target number of 4,000 individuals.

"Ito ang nais nating malaman ng publiko na ang pamahalaan ay patuloy sa pagtulong sa ating mga LSI at ito ngang Sabado at Linggo, July 25 at 26, ay halos walong libo na ang uuwi sa kanilang mga pamilya sa probinsiya," Ano said.

The DILG chief said that these LSIs include the ones staying at the Philippine Army Gymnasium, Villamor Air Base Elementary School, Manila Science High School, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The second batch also includes LSIs endorsed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, other government agencies, and Local Government Units.

He explained that for the 2nd phase of the Hatid Tulong Program, returning LSIs will board 120 buses, five sea vessels, two of which are from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and three from the Philippine Coast Guard; and Philippine National Railways trains.

"Gaya ng first batch ng Hatid Tulong noong unang linggo ng July, we will be ensuring that our LSIs will be comfortable and safe in the transportation modes that the government has prepared for them," he said.

Returning LSIs will also be given food and non-food aid during their travel. (PIA NCR)