More than 400,000 displaced tourism workers to receive cash aid

(FILE) LOCALIZED LOCKDOWN A spike in coronavirus cases and the resulting lockdown in Metro Manila have led to the cancelation of bookings on Boracay Island in Aklan province. Several areas in Boracay are also on localized lockdown amid a COVID-19 outbreak on the resort island. —JACK JARILLA

MANILA, Philippines — More than 400,000 displaced tourism sector workers are set to receive cash assistance, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced Saturday.

The financial aid is under the Department of Tourism-Department of Labor and Employment Cash Assistance Program of the Bayanihan 2 will amount to P2,327,650,000 and will be distributed to a total of 465,300 workers.

Of those who will receive aid, 39,429 are from the National Capital Region (NCR); 26,908 from Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); 45,709 from Region 1; 17,293 from Region 2; 55,974 from Region 3; 61,392 from Region 4A; 56,955 from Region 4B; 11,468 from Region 5; 45,429 from Region 6; 31,712 from Region 7; 13,327 from Region 8; 6,609 from Region 9; 13,939 from Region 10; 26,095 from Region 11; 5,661 from Region 12, and 7,630 from Region 13.

“We are hopeful that this financial assistance will provide some relief to our most affected stakeholders and tourism workers during these difficult times,” said Romulo-Puyat.

The tourism industry in the Philippines, like any other sector, took a blow once the COVID-19 pandemic started like most, if not all, tourist spots temporarily ceased operations.

While some local government units slowly opened up, tourism activities are still limited with resorts and other similar ventures only allowed to operate at below the normal capacity.

“While it may help in the short term, we believe that the best way to help stakeholders, in the long run, is to develop a tourism industry that is stronger, more resilient, and more adaptable to change,” said Romulo-Puyat.

As of April 28, 325,678 workers received their share of the P1,628,390,000 that was distributed and released to payment centers.

There are still 139,852 approved applicants who will get their aid from the remaining P699,260,000 that will be disbursed.

/MUF