Eight (8) Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) were finally able to return to their respective home provinces in Region III made possible by the national government's "Hatid Tulong Program."

 The government-wide initiative led by the Office of the President seeks to provide transportation assistance to LSIs including stranded students, workers and tourists who were affected by the local travel restrictions during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

As a matter of health protocol and to prevent local transmission of the virus, the LSIs have undergone Rapid Diagnostic Test and tested negative for the virus prior to their travel to Central Luzon.

With assistance from the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the LGU of Mabalacat City and local PNP, the eight LSIs arrived on Sunday night, July 5, at the drop-off point in Dau Terminal, Mabalacat City.

Representatives from DILG Pampanga and DILG Regional Office provided assistance during the arrival of the LSIs and ensured that they had transportation going back to their provinces through coordination with the receiving LGUs.