SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is urging the government to prioritize the implementation of an investment plan complementing the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2), of which he is the proponent.

Go said this would help communities recover from the adverse impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and provide more economic opportunities to those who wish to start a new life in the provinces.

Attracting investments in other parts of the country outside Metro areas, he said, would provide more employment and livelihood opportunities in the countryside.

“Layunin po ng programang ito na mabigyan ng bagong pag-asa ang mga Pilipino na may hinaharap silang maayos na kinabukasan pagkatapos ng krisis at tutulungan sila kung sakaling gusto nilang bumalik sa kanilang mga probinsya (It is the goal of this program to provide new hope for the Filipinos that they can look forward for a better future after the crisis and they will be assisted if they wish to go back to their respective provinces),” Go explained.

According to Go, an investment plan crafted toward regional development will aid in modernizing the economy and help solve societal issues on employment, housing, transportation, and safe and secure travel, among others.

The senator noted that the lack of economic opportunities and good-paying jobs are reasons why people in the countryside go to Metro Manila.

“Malaking dahilan po kung bakit napakaraming mga taga-probinsya ang lumuluwas ng Metro Manila ay para makahanap sila ng maayos at disenteng trabaho (The big reason why many of those from the provinces go to Metro Manila is to have a better and decent jobs),” Go said.