KAUSWAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE — The local government here is set to launch today, Nov. 24, a community dedicated to hosting returnees to Lanao del Norte province under the national government’s Balik-Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program.
Called the Bagong Pag-asa Green Village, it is located some two kilometers from the national highway in Tacub village.
Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado said the six-hectare community would accommodate 200 returnees who have applied under the program initiated by Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go at the height of the coronavirus lockdowns.
The program aims to decongest Metro Manila of migrants from the provinces, who were drawn there in their search for economic opportunities.
Those expected to permanently resettle in the community are from Metro Manila, Cebu, was and Davao.
Part of the community is dedicated to housing, which will be constructed by the National Housing Authority (NHA), and the rest for crop and livestock production and processing.
The community will also be equipped with basic services like electricity and potable water supply.
Emmanuel Piñol, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority, which assisted the local government in conceptualizing the village, has emphasized the need for a “complete value chain package” in order for the community to succeed.
Apart from Go and Piñol, agriculture secretary William Dar, social welfare secretary Rolando Bautista, and NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. are expected to grace today’s launching rites.