Joint report of DCR, DSA, GAB

 Third district representative Kristine Alexie Tutor is doing everything she could for Bohol.

Last week, she filed a bill aiming to strengthen the Balik Probinsya program of the national government.

The Balik Probinsya program aims to let people in Metro Manila return to their respective provinces, in an effort to decongest Metro Manila.

The program also may spur regional development as a result of the return of people to the provinces.

Tutor filed House Bill No. 6674 entitled “Balik Probinsya Public Housing and Relocation Act”, which is addressing the rural-urban migration problem spawning thousands of informal settlers in urban centers in the country.

Moreover, the bill directly addresses the urgent need to help the urban poor in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.

In a related development, last May 6, President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 114 creating the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program” ensuring balances in regional development.

According to Tutor, the bill lays down the mandate for ready employment for the beneficiaries, for public housing, and for essential components of a thriving and functioning community.

Also, the program is a medium-term measure to solve the congestion problem in key urban centers.

Further, Tutor said by 2022 the first Balik Probinsya program will spur public housing communities.