The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) Program, managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is an initiative that encourages urban Filipinos to relocate to their hometowns or rural areas. Enacted under Executive Order No. 114, this program aims to reduce urban congestion, promote balanced development across regions, and provide families with fresh opportunities in their communities. Through comprehensive support, including financial assistance, the BP2 Program enables eligible Filipinos to start anew in the provinces.
Understanding the BP2 Program can be a good support system for those looking for a better quality of life outside crowded urban centers as it focuses on redistributing resources and promoting industrial and social growth in the countryside. With this guide, you can get a detailed overview of the BP2 application process, program benefits, and available assistance, helping you decide if this initiative could be a new beginning for you and your family.
Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program Overview
The BP2 Program was launched by the DSWD to address the high population density in areas like Metro Manila by encouraging eligible individuals and families to move back to rural provinces. It focuses on offering support to the Filipinos who want to start anew in provincial areas by redistributing resources and promoting industrial and social growth in the countryside.
Participants of the BP2 Program are provided with the necessary support given through a range of assistance packages, including transportation, resettlement aid, livelihood grants, and access to social services, so they can settle in rural communities, fostering economic opportunities and quality of life.
Benefits and Types of Assistance
Listed below are the different assistance packages offered by the DSWD via the BP2 Program:
- Individual and Family Assistance
- Transportation Assistance: BP2 covers travel expenses ranging from PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000, depending on the destination, along with food support while in transit.
- Livelihood Assistance: Up to PHP 15,000 is available for sustainable livelihoods, particularly for individuals not covered by other livelihood support programs.
- Relocation and Transitory Packages: Families may receive up to PHP 35,000 for relocation costs, as well as transitional support of PHP 10,000 to PHP 70,000 for food and other essentials.
- Shelter Assistance: Rental subsidies between PHP 120,000 and PHP 250,000 are available for families waiting for National Housing Authority (NHA) housing. Additionally, a livelihood grant of PHP 50,000 can assist families in establishing or expanding income-generating activities.
- Community Grants
- The DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) offers grants to local government units (LGUs) with BP2 beneficiaries. Funds support essential community projects such as road construction, multi-purpose facilities, and other prioritized infrastructure.
The financial support offered by the BP2 Program helps returning families integrate successfully and ensures communities have the resources necessary to support a growing population.
Target Beneficiaries
As a social support, the BP2 program is made available to all Filipinos who are facing circumstances that make them eligible for relocation support, particularly those affected by urban congestion and lacking sustainable income opportunities. Qualified individuals and families include:
- Those affected by government infrastructure projects or legal demolition activities.
- Families living on the street or in high-risk zones.
- Victims of human-made or natural disasters, including health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Individuals who have lost employment or income opportunities.
- Marginalized, disadvantaged, or vulnerable families wishing to resettle for better living conditions.
- Informal settlers
By offering the BP2 Program, the DSWD is essentially addressing their needs and helping them take part in creating sustainable and resilient communities across the nation.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Reside in high-risk urban zones or areas subject to legal demolition.
- Be informal settlers or individuals lacking permanent housing.
- Have lost jobs or income opportunities, often due to economic crises.
- Be affected by disasters or health hazards, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Come from marginalized or vulnerable sectors, as assessed by social workers.
DSWD social workers will assess each applicant’s situation to confirm eligibility.
Documentary Requirements
To apply for the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program, applicants must be ready to submit documents that verify their eligibility and assist in processing their request. Listed below is a list of the primary documentary requirements:
- Valid ID – A government-issued identification card for proof of identity.
- Proof of Residence – Documents showing the applicant’s current residence in an urban area, such as a barangay certificate.
- Certificate of Indigency or Low-Income Status – Issued by the barangay or local government to verify the applicant’s financial need.
- Affidavit of Displacement or Demolition Notice – For applicants affected by government projects or demolitions, if applicable.
- Medical Certificate or Disaster Report – For applicants who have been impacted by natural disasters, health crises, or hazards.
Application Procedures
Applying for the BP2 Program can be completed either in person or online:
In-Person Application
Step 1. Visit your local Balik Probinsya Center or barangay office.
Step 2. Speak with a BP2 representative to review requirements and receive an assessment form.
Step 3. Complete and submit your form and requirements for verification.
Online Application via Email
Step 1. Send inquiries to the BP2 email, balikprobinsya@dswd.gov.ph, or contact the DSWD hotline at (02) 8952-0697.
Step 2. Provide all requested information, and wait for a response regarding next steps and form and other submission requirements.
Online Application via the KALAHI-CIDSS Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa website
Step 1. Visit the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa website at https://bp2.nha.gov.ph/.
Step 2. Click the Apply button on the top right part of the page.
Step 3. Completely fill out the application form with the following information:
- Personal Information
- Destination
- Contact Person
- Assessment
- Agreement
Step 4. Once you have provided all the required information, click Submit.
Step 5. Wait for a response regarding the next steps.
Note: All methods may have varying degrees of convenience, but they all require applicants to submit identification and supporting documents, depending on their situation.
Where to Get the Application Form?
Eligible applicants can obtain the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa application form at various locations including the following:
- Local Balik Probinsya Centers in barangays, where staff can guide applicants through eligibility and requirements.
- Online, through the DSWD official website or via email at balikprobinsya@dswd.gov.ph.
- Online, via the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa website of KALAHI-CIDSS (https://bp2.nha.gov.ph/)
How KALAHI-CIDSS Supports BP2 Communities
KALAHI-CIDSS, a DSWD initiative, complements the BP2 Program by delivering community support to LGUs with BP2 beneficiaries. It provides:
- Municipal Grant Allocations: Up to PHP 7.5 million per project, supporting essential infrastructure.
- Capacity Building for LGUs: Funds up to PHP 300,000 are allocated for LGU staff and volunteer training.
- Social Preparation Activities: PHP 500,000 for community engagement in situational analysis and project planning.
These grants empower local communities to improve living conditions, attract investment, and develop sustainable local industries.
Recent BP2 Program Updates
Since the program began in 2020, over 1,800 families have relocated through BP2, with more than PHP 104 million allocated for individual and family assistance packages. Community projects received PHP 114 million in funding, contributing to various local developments across rural regions.
The BP2 initiative continues to provide assistance to Filipinos seeking to rebuild in their home provinces, fostering sustainable growth outside major cities.
Video: Balik Probinsya Benefits and Success Stories
For a firsthand look at how BP2 works to help transform lives and develop the countryside, check out this video about the program from Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa showcasing the details of the actual program, along with all the information you will ever need to learn more about it.
Summary
The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program by the DSWD is a comprehensive support system designed to help Filipinos build a new life in the provinces. From transportation and relocation assistance to livelihood support and community grants through KALAHI-CIDSS, BP2 ensures that each beneficiary receives the resources needed to thrive. Interested individuals can apply either at their local barangay or online, with help available from DSWD social workers for eligibility assessments. Through BP2, eligible families can look forward to a more prosperous future in their home provinces.
For more information, applicant may also reach out to the BP2 secretariat via the contact information listed below:
