Masbate: Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to 677 tourism workers in Masbate affected by Typhoon Opong.

According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution was part of the Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program, a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This initiative aims to provide financial aid and livelihood support to tourism workers whose income was disrupted by natural disasters.

During her speech, Frasco expressed gratitude towards Masbate's tourism workers for their continuous dedication and resilience, highlighting that the BBMT program was created to bring hope and support to those impacted by calamities. She underscored the significant role of tourism workers in the nation's economic recovery, noting that the industry contributes nearly 9 percent to the national gross domestic product.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for rapid and sustained government response to affected communities, emphasizing the swift response and ongoing assistance efforts. Gatchalian also stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in aiding disaster-affected workers in their recovery.

Masbate Governor Richard Kho expressed gratitude to the Marcos administration and visiting officials for overseeing the cash distribution, acknowledging the ECT as evidence of the government's continued support. He noted that despite widespread devastation caused by the typhoon, government officials prioritized Masbate in their relief efforts.

Typhoon Opong struck the Bicol Region in September, displacing thousands of families, including those reliant on tourism and small trade for their livelihood. Following the BBMT rollout, officials visited several sites in Masbate to assess ongoing rehabilitation projects in agriculture, health, and education sectors.

The DOT and DSWD have also conducted similar BBMT assistance distributions in Davao Oriental and Aurora, showcasing the administration's comprehensive approach to disaster recovery and livelihood restoration.