Balik Probinsya
Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) is a Philippine government program that aims to move people from crowded cities like Metro Manila back to their home provinces. It started after the COVID-19 pandemic to help people rebuild their lives, develop rural areas, and reduce crowding in big cities so the country can respond better to health emergencies.
Senator Bong Go originally proposed the program as a “fresh start” for families. President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 114 on May 6, creating the program and a council to plan its rollout.
The goal is to reverse migration to the National Capital Region and other busy cities, promote rural prosperity, and build sustainable, resilient communities in the countryside.
The program’s rollout was briefly paused on June 11 to focus on Hatid Tulong, a separate effort that helps non-residents stranded in Metro Manila return home.
A Balik Probinsya council was formed to set the framework for the program.
Early interest was high: about 10,000 people asked to participate in the first days. People said they want to move to provinces such as Camarines Sur, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar. The National Housing Authority said it would provide housing for beneficiaries, and the Commission on Elections would handle changes to voter registration.
The plan faced criticism from the Gabriela party, which warned it could bring a new wave of COVID-19 cases and create long-term problems. The Department of Interior and Local Government said the Leyte cases were linked to Hatid Probinsya, not Balik Probinsya, and that BP2 is a long-term strategy to help low-income families move to rural areas with new livelihoods and infrastructure projects.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 20:14 (CET).