The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) leads the implementation of ‘Balik sa Bayan’ program to reintegrate the survivors of typhoon Yolanda who arrived in Manila to seek temporary refuge.

DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said that the ‘Balik sa Bayan’ is an inter-agency effort that aims to provide package of services to families and individuals who survived the fury of Yolanda, and assist them in their recovery and reintegration to their respective communities in Eastern Visayas.

She added that ‘Balik sa Bayan’ program caters to families and individuals who do not have families or relatives in Metro Manila and nearby provinces and were accommodated in DSWD, LGU and NGO facilities for temporary shelter.

‘The program also admits survivors who can no longer be accommodated by their relatives due to their limited resources and have decided to go back to their respective provinces,’ explained Bonoan.

 

The families who availed of the program were provided with transportation assistance; health services; pabaon packs containing relief goods, blankets and mats; shelter kits with plywoods, G.I. sheets, nails, lumber, and other basic carpentry tools; community starter kits with food packs, financial assistance and a mobile phone.

 

A total of 77 families with 212 individuals who were accommodated at Jose Fabella Center and at the Tent City in Pasay City have been sent home through the program.

 

The implementation of this program is in partnership with the Department of Health, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Philippine Air Force, Local Government Units, Salubong Movement and PLDT-Smart Foundation. ###