Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has distributed PHP12.97 million in emergency cash assistance to 1,264 tourism workers whose livelihoods were disrupted by Super Typhoon Uwan in 2025, officials announced Thursday. Each affected worker received PHP10,262 to help mitigate losses resulting from temporary business closures and halted tourism activities in the aftermath of the typhoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio emphasized the importance of the Emergency Cash Transfer program in alleviating the burden faced by tourism workers in the region. "We know that one of the first sectors affected when a disaster strikes is the tourism sector. Through the Emergency Cash Transfer, we aim to alleviate at least the burden suffered by our tourism workers and help them recover as their communities gradually regain their vitality," Laurio stated.

The beneficiaries of the cash assistance were identified from various provinces including Albay (69), Camarines Norte (37), Camarines Sur (41), Catanduanes (643), Masbate (102), and Sorsogon (372). They were selected through recommendations from their municipal and provincial tourism offices and then endorsed to the DSWD for aid.

A tourism worker from Jintotolo Island, Masbate, shared the impact of the typhoon on their livelihood. "Since the typhoon hit, the resort I work at has closed. We have had no income for weeks. This is a great help we received from the DSWD for our daily expenses and for preparing while we wait for our businesses to reopen," the worker expressed. Another beneficiary from Sorsogon highlighted how the assistance helped address daily needs while tourism activities remained limited.

This Emergency Cash Transfer initiative is part of the government's ongoing disaster response efforts and is in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize support for vulnerable sectors during crises.