CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial government launched on Monday, June 29, 2020, the “Balik Pinas, Balik Pampanga Citizen App” to track and assist all Kapampangan returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) from different countries across the globe.

Prior to this, it can be recalled that Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda met with the concerned national government agencies and provincial chief of offices to iron out the details and plans for the Balik Pinas, Balik Pampanga program.

“Alam naman natin na malaki ang naging sakripisyo ng ating ROFs, nagtrabaho’t nalayo sa mga mahal sa buhay. Marami na silang hirap na pinagdaanan at ito ang pinakasimpleng bagay na pwede nating gawin para kahit paano ay maibsan ang kanilang paghihirap,” Pineda said.

He said that the provincial government is continuously working hard to cater to the needs of the Kapampangan ROFs.

According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Angelina Blanco, one of the chief implementers of the said program, Balik Pinas, Balik Pampanga program is aimed at making sure that Kapampangan ROFs will return home safely.

“Ang layunin ng programang ito ay una, para siguruhing makakauwi nang ligtas ang ating mga Cabalen na ROFs sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya. Pangalawa, para tulungan ang ating national government na ma-decongest ang mga terminal natin sa Metro Manila,” she said.

The Balik Pinas, Balik Pampanga Citizen App will serve as a tool for the provincial government to be updated beforehand on the number of ROFs that will arrive in Metro Manila, thus expediting the process of repatriation, and determining the kind of assistance needed by the repatriates upon their arrival in the country.

“Ang app ay mayroong Know Your Citizen module na naglalayong malaman kung ang OF o OFW ay Kapampangan at naninirahan sa Pampanga, nang sa gayo’y ma-accommodate sila mula sa airport, papunta sa mga swab testing facilities, hanggang sa pumasa na sila sa requirements ng Department of Health sa quarantine period at makauwi sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya,” said JP Miranda, founder and chief executive officer of the Information Technology Business Solutions Corporation.

It can be noted that only ROFs who registered ten (10) days or more before their scheduled flight will be accommodated.

To register, go to www.balikpampanga.ph and download the app. Sign up and wait for One-Time-Password (OTP) on e-mail. Log in with your username and OTP, complete the documents needed, and wait for the QR code and reference number that will be sent on e-mail, which is a signal that your application is approved. (PR)