By Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco
SOLSONA, Ilocos Norte, Apr. 28 (PIA) – This municipality in Ilocos Norte has started preparing for the Balik-Probinsiya program proposed by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go to decongest population in Metro Manila once the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted.
Under the Balik-Probinsiya program, Filipinos who wish to return or be relocated to their respective provinces, when the ECQ is lifted, will be provided incentives and livelihood opportunities.
This program notes that the coronavirus spreads widely in urbanized areas, thus, the need to decongest the nation’s capital.
In preparation once the national government implements this program, the municipal government of Solsona has procured modular tents, military beds, cadaver bags, and movable tents which amounted to P1.8 million in total.
There are 115 modular or isolation tents, 110 military beds, 31 cadaver bags, and four movable tents with trusses are procured as returning residents will still have to finish the 14-day quarantine period upon arriving in Ilocos Norte.
The isolation tents are put up at the Federico F. De Lara Civic Center in the said town.
Moreover, Solsona is presently preparing the papers for the procurement of hospital equipment such as oxygen, ambu bags, nebulizers, and suctions as they aim to deliver the best health care system to the people.
“We need to listen to the clamor of our people, feel their pulse, supply their needs, and fortify their faith and trust in us whom they elected to public office,” Solsona Mayor Joseph De Lara said.
Aside from improving the health care system, the municipal government is set to provide 20 kgs. milled rice to more than 7,000 households in the municipality.
All funds used came from the Bayanihan Grant for Cities and Municipalities.
“Let us work hand in hand for the betterment of our community. If we will fail to do so, it will never be forgotten how we turned our backs and disappointed the people whom we are supposed to serve and protect during this pandemic,” Mayor De Lara added.
In the Laging Handa Network Briefing anchored by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang lauds the proposed Balik-Probinsiya Program of the national government.
“Nagpapasalamat ako na may programa si Presidente na Balik-Probinsiya program at kami naman dito sa probinsiya ng Davao Oriental ay handa kaming tanggapin at i-welcome ang aming mga kababayan,” Governor Dayanghirang said.
As of this writing, the proposed program is being carefully studied and in proper planning to ensure effective implementation once the COVID-19 crisis is put under control.
The Laging Handa Network Briefing is aired from Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. wherein local chief executives from the provinces share their best practices and address issues concerning their areas amid COVID-19 pandemic. (Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco/PIA Ilocos Norte)
