"The program teems with hope."
"The program teems with hope."
The quarantine period brought out how population congestion plays a role in the rapid transmission of highly communicable diseases such as this COVID-19 pandemic. At present, Metro Manila recorded the most number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
In an effort to address this risk, the national government has devised the Balik-Probinsya program which encourages temporary residents and workers in the National Capital Region to go home to their provinces once the Enhanced Community Quarantine is lifted, with the condition that they are tested negative for COVID-19. The program intends to decongest Metro Manila and, in the long run, improve transportation and telecommunication systems in the other regions.
For many years now, Metro Manila has one of the highest population rates in the country due to internal migration. From the Philippine Statistics Authority 2018 National Migration Survey, the top three internal migration streams are from Eastern Visayas region to NCR, CALABARZON region to NCR, and NCR to CALABARZON region, each stream involving at least 95,000 migrants.
Here, we are talking about thousands of workers that have migrated to Metro Manila. It is safe to say that we can expect the same number to return to their respective provinces.
We also note that, according to the same report, 46 percent of the internal migrants in the Philippines, or those who have moved within the Philippines, were motivated by employment opportunities. Fourteen percent had housing-related reasons, while 12 percent moved due to school. While we await the actualization of this program, local government units must be prepared to accommodate their returning residents and address their needs accordingly.
To cushion the initial impact of this program, it is important to consider the demographics of these returning residents. Most likely, many of them are workers or employees from Metro Manila who are perhaps skilled and knowledgeable in businesses, trade, or manufacturing. Hence, business or work opportunities should be provided where their skills and knowledge can be utilized and maximized. In Quezon, for instance, marine and agricultural raw materials and products abound. There are farmlands and areas for aquaculture which have not been utilized or developed. These are actually business and employment opportunities waiting for these returning workers. In fact, this presents a win-win situation.
The Quezon Provincial Office offers its help to entrepreneurs who intend to develop and market marine and agricultural products. While the LGU provides them support, these businesses will also help develop and promote industries in the province, enticing investors and large companies alike.
The Balik-Probinsya Program is a laudable proposal from the Executive. This program will help both Metro Manila and the provinces, especially rural areas. In the long run, provinces which will be able to maximize the potential of their workforce will be able to develop self-sufficiency, food security, and record significant economic growth comparable with that of urban Manila.
This will also greatly help in alleviating poverty in the provinces as investments become equitably distributed all over the country. Moreover, it will be a stimulus for improving education, infrastructure, and access to capital and financial institutions all over the country. It will pave the way for modernization of our agriculture, transportation, and other industries and utilities.
Perhaps, in due time, the national government can seriously consider the transfer of the government centers to the countryside to effect long-term decongestion of Metro Manila and facilitate urban and rural planning and resettlement to better maximize land use and further promote infrastructure development.
Finally, I ask our national government to favorably consider giving incentives or preferential rates to those businesses or factories who will be moving their operations to the provinces. For this program to succeed, let us make the best of what we have to help them.
I am grateful for this proposal because it banks on and highlights the capacities of provinces in providing and improving economic opportunities and livelihood for its residents. This program is not only teeming with hope, but also provides the most sought-after equitable and egalitarian opportunities for cities, municipalities, and provinces outside Metro Manila.