Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday led the distribution of Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to 677 tourism workers in Masbate whose livelihoods were affected by Typhoon Opong.
In a news release, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that the distribution commenced under the Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program, which is a joint initiative of the DOT and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
It provides financial assistance and livelihood support to tourism workers whose income was disrupted by natural disasters.
Frasco, during her speech, thanked Masbate’s tourism workers for their continued service and resilience, emphasizing that the BBMT program was designed to bring hope and assistance to those affected by calamities.
“Nandito po tayo ngayon para sa pag-distribute ng Emergency Cash Transfer, kasali po ito sa programa ng DSWD at Department of Tourism na tinatawag na (We are here today for the distribution of the Emergency Cash Transfer, which is part of the joint program of the DSWD and the Department of Tourism called) ‘Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo’,” she said.
“Dahil alam naman po natin na sa turismo palaging may pag-asa (Because we all know that in tourism, there is always hope),” she added.
She noted the vital role of tourism workers in the nation’s economic recovery, noting that the industry contributes nearly 9 percent to the national gross domestic product.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for quick and sustained government response to affected communities.
“Mabilis ang response, at ngayon nandito kami muli upang siguraduhin na tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang tulong (The response was quick, and now we are here again to ensure that the assistance continues),” he said.
For his part, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in helping disaster-affected workers get back on their feet.
“Lagi akong nire-remind ni Secretary Frasco na kayo ang bumubuhay sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa (Secretary Frasco always reminds me that you are the ones who keep our nation’s economy alive),” he said.
“Sisiguraduhin namin na sa hanay ng DSWD at ng buong pamahalaan, katabi ninyo kami sa inyong pagbangon (We will make sure that within the DSWD and the entire government, we stand beside you in your recovery),” he added.
Masbate Governor Richard Kho thanked the Marcos administration and the visiting officials for overseeing the cash distribution.
“Ito pong Emergency Cash Transfer ay patunay na hindi tayo nakalimutan ng ating Pangulo at ng ating mga departamento (This Emergency Cash Transfer is proof that we have not been forgotten by our President and our government agencies),” he said.
“Marami pang nasalanta ng bagyo, pero naglaan sila ng oras para sa Masbate (Many more were affected by the typhoon, but they took the time to come to Masbate),” he added.
Opong struck the Bicol Region in September, displacing thousands of families, including those dependent on tourism and small trade for income.
After the BBMT rollout, the officials visited the Masbate Center for Livestock Development, Masbate Provincial Hospital, and Masbate Comprehensive National High School to assess ongoing rehabilitation projects in the agriculture, health, and education sectors.
The DOT and the DSWD have also implemented similar BBMT assistance distributions in Davao Oriental and Aurora, demonstrating the administration’s whole-of-government approach to disaster recovery and livelihood restoration. (PNA)
