Davao Region’s Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program – Information and Communication Team (BP2P – ICT) convened for its 2^nd Quarter 2021 Regular Meeting on 31 May 2021 to discuss the operationalization of the BP2P Communication Plan, which was approved by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI through RDC XI Resolution No. 130, series of 2020. The BP2P Communication Plan shall educate Davaoeños on the BP2P; enlist the support of national government agencies, GOCCs, state universities and colleges and other development partners; advocate for supportive policies; and, provide venues for feedback and consultation.

Davao Region communication and advocacy events on the BP2P shall be anchored on the core message that “A Prosperous and Comfortable Life is Possible in the Provinces” (“Posible ang Komportable at Masaganang Buhay sa Probinsya”).  It also promotes to the target audiences the Whole-of-Government Approach undertaken by the government which ensures BP2P Beneficiaries have access to adequate livelihood and economic opportunities that the Region can provide.

The Davao Region BP2P Communication Plan is divided into 3 Phases. The short-term activities that shall be conducted for the remainder of 2021, will focus on information campaigns about the Program and address frequently asked questions from the public. The medium-term activities to be undertaken in the 1^st semester of 2022 will document the successful dispatch of Davao Region BP2P Beneficiaries, promote their new livelihoods, and publish their reintegration in the local community. The long-term activities will be focused on impact assessments and evaluation of the Program to the economy and local communities

Also discussed during the meeting was the monitoring report on the 1^st BP2P Beneficiaries in Davao Region. NHA XI reports a total of 19 individuals (6 families) that were part of the 1^st batch of Davao Region BP2P Beneficiaries. Each family are provided with the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, or TUPAD, and Livelihood assistance from DOLE XI, amounting to PhP 36,000. Likewise, the families received an Initial Cash Assistance of PhP 5,000.00 and Transitory Family Support Cash Assistance amounting between PhP 28,250 to PhP 54,500 from DSWD XI. In total, the Region was able to provide assistance to the BP2P-beneficiary families amounting to PhP 466,500. Individual beneficiaries are also expecting assistance from PAGRO & DA (under its “Enrolment to Kaagapay”, “Gulayan sa Tugakaran”, and livestock farming programs), TESDA XI (NC II Scholarship on Skills & Livelihood Training), and DTI XI (Negosyo Center Entrepreneurship Business Registration Assistance).

– Laurence John Francis J. Gido, NEDA XI