Ensure peace, order to make ‘Balik Probinsya’ work

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), local officials and law enforcers to maintain peace and order to ensure the success of the “Balik Probinsya” Program (BPP).

Go said the concerned officials should implement the necessary measures to ensure a stable and peaceful environment conducive for doing business in the provinces in order to promote economic development.

“Maintaining peace and order and providing security in communities lead to better quality of life, more economic opportunities and smoother business operations,” Go said.

The presence of criminal elements and lawlessness in some areas in the countryside is a major concern for businesses and families to relocate to these provinces. 

“One of the requirements to have a healthy business environment is peace and order and proper implementation of laws. That’s why it is necessary to ensure proper implementation of laws in the provinces to make it more attractive for investors,” he said. 

Citing his experience as long-time aide of President Duterte during their days in Davao City, Go stressed that genuine and sustainable progress could be achieved if peace and order concerns are addressed. 

Go also echoed the sentiments of DILG Secretary Eduardo Año that a stable peace and order situation is crucial in the success of the proposed BPP.

Año mentioned in a statement that the government should promote peace and order in the provinces to entice investors under a post-community quarantine scenario.

He also encouraged local governments to start thinking of ways on how to prepare for Balik Probinsya.

In his previous pronouncements, Go has earnestly sought the implementation of BPP to decongest Metro Manila and bring economic prosperity to the countryside.

Last May 6, Duterte issued Executive Order 114 institutionalizing the Balik Probinsya, Balik Pag-asa Program and creating a council therefor.

“Congestion and overcrowding are among the factors in the spread of COVID-19 in Metro Manila. Experts claim more pandemics will be experienced in the future. Thus we need to be more proactive and to have long-lasting solutions to make us more prepared,” Go said.

Go emphasized that the need to develop the countryside should be consistent with the policy direction of President Duterte in order to create robust economic activities and wealth generation outside Metro Manila and other urban centers.