Davao’s  Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program or  BP2P Information and Communication Team (ICT) conducted its organizational meeting on October 6 through  Zoom.  The Davao BP2P ICT was created through Regional Development Council (RDC XI) Resolution No. 89,  to develop and implement a BP2P communication strategy and promptly address issues raised by the public.

The BP2P ICT  is composed of regional offices of national government agencies in Davao. These are  the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Housing Authority (NHA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Communication for Development Network (C4Net); and the Departments of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Tourism (DOT), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Transportation (DoTr), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Agriculture (DA), Trade and Industry (DTI), Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)  and  Agrarian Reform (DA).

Regional Director (RD) Maria Lourdes D. Lim of the NEDA Regional Office in Davao who is also  BP2P-ICT Chairperson, set the strategic direction for the communication and advocacy of the program in the region. As Co-Chairperson, RD  Frances Mae G. Macapagat of PIA XI who is also designated spokesperson, shall represent the BP2 Council in media and public engagements. DHSUD XI, as vice-chair, is tasked to establish a mechanism for feedback and consultation on policy issues and program design and shall communicate to the BP2 Council to facilitate resolution of issues raised.

Meanwhile, member-agencies shall provide  inputs on communicating BP2 programs and policies pertinent to their respective sectors. The LGUs, on the other hand, shall assist in advocating BP2P to their constituents. As the RDC XI communication and advocacy arm, the C4DNet XI shall provide technical support in the planning and conduct of BP2P communication activities.

Consistent with the BP2 Program framework, the BP2P communication strategies are aimed at providing institutional support to the BP2P’s five key result areas. These are (a)  assistance to relocatees; (b) empowerment of local industries; (c) food security and agricultural productivity; (d) housing, social welfare and human resource development; and (e) infrastructure development.

The proposed BP2P communication strategies and PAPs include the conduct of barangay consultations, forums, press releases, interviews, and information campaigns  through  print, radio, TV and social media.  The organization of a BP2 speaker’s bureau was also agreed to assist in conveying information that will increase awareness and understanding about the BP2P. A regional dashboard and a database, meanwhile,  will  be developed as repositories of BP2P information and indicators.

The BP2 Program  was institutionalized by Executive Order 114 on May 6, 2020, as the government’s socioeconomic program to decongest Metro Manila and other metropolises and provide a better future for Filipinos through equity in resources and countryside development.