Davao city: Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of emergency cash assistance to tourism workers affected by recent earthquakes in Davao Oriental and Bogo City, Cebu.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced in a press release that 1,339 workers from tourism-related establishments received aid during the Emergency Cash Transfer rollout in Mati City. Additionally, another 365 beneficiaries in Bogo City were provided assistance through DOT Central Visayas.
Frasco mentioned that the agency is coordinating with local governments to support the recovery of affected communities, emphasizing the importance of tourism as a significant economic contributor in the region. During the ceremonial distribution in Mati City, Frasco and Gatchalian personally handed envelopes containing financial aid to beneficiary representatives. They were accompanied by Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario.
Frasco highlighted that Davao's tourism sector plays a crucial role in the region's economy, accounting for nearly 9 percent of the country's gross domestic product and supporting approximately 16 million Filipinos through direct and indirect employment. Gatchalian noted the prioritization of support for the tourism sector due to its vital role in local economies.
In Bogo City, Cebu, about 365 tourism workers affected by the recent quake received financial assistance distributed by DOT Region 7 officer-in-charge Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas. Frasco confirmed that over PHP200 million in aid has been released in Cebu, including support for local businesses through recovery loans under the Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing and Turismo Asenso Loan programs.
The ECT distribution in Davao Oriental and Bogo City is part of the 'Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo' (BBMT) program, a collaboration between the DOT and DSWD, which reaffirms the national government's commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in times of disasters.
