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The Eastern Visayas Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program short-term cluster committee convened for its first quarterly meeting on August 11, 2021, through a face-to-face platform.
 
As the chairperson for the BP2 short-term cluster, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through OIC Regional Director Grace Subong, led the meeting.
 
Among the agencies and stakeholders present in the meeting are the National Housing Authority (NHA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), Community Development Authority (CDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Education(DepEd).

Maria Marizzel Encarnado, representative from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO), Annabelle Aner, Municipal Social Welfare Officer (MSWDO) and Felipe Ygrubay, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member of Local Government of Palo, Leyte also attended the activity.
 
The meeting focused on discussions in making strategies to ensure coordinated efforts and activities, streamline communication, and strengthen collaboration among concerned agencies, stakeholders, and provincial and local government units in the provision of holistic services to the BP2 beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas.
At the meeting, all cluster member agencies, stakeholders and the provincial LGU presented respective updates of their accomplishments in terms of assistance or support provided to the beneficiaries. Some of the assistance and services given to the beneficiaries from the cluster agencies include dispatch operations, livelihood assistance, kits and training, health-related support, transportation assistance, scholarship commitment, family support package, and among others.
Further, issues and concerns were also discussed following a need for areas of collaboration to avoid duplication of assistance.
 
The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2) short-term cluster is tasked to conduct projects, programs and activities to support the immediate needs of the beneficiaries upon their arrival at the airport and/or during the transition phase in the home provinces.
Regional Director Grace Subong said that working together is a key towards a successful implementation of the program. “Our collaborative efforts, and harmonized activities and projects would help ensure that these will be foundation for sustaining and flourishing lives of returning residents.”, she underscored.