A Case Study on the Implementation of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program: Basis for Strategic Development Plan

This qualitative case study delved into the comprehension and experiences of beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program in Davao Occidental to formulate a strategic development plan. The study was grounded in the work of Srivastava et al. (2020), which emphasized development theories and literature acknowledging the intricate interplay between migration and development. Seven program beneficiaries participated in individual, in-depth interviews. Five significant themes emerged regarding the participants' understanding of the BP2 Program: pandemic response measures, advocacy for individual well-being, initiatives for rural and economic development, employment and income-generation strategies, and socioeconomic support. Additionally, six major themes surfaced concerning beneficiaries' experiences in social welfare, health, and employment support: orderly provision of financial and food assistance, availability of social and psychosocial services, access to medical and nutritional services, regular monitoring of health status, clear employment and livelihood opportunities, and feasible employment packages. In conclusion, the study yielded five strategies based on beneficiaries' experiences with BP2 implementation: enhancement of financial and logistic support, establishment of health assistance centers, creation of help and employment centers, augmentation of social services, and the need for program review and evaluation.