300 informal tourism workers in Intramuros get P5,000 cash aid — DOT

Visitors have their souvenir photos taken by the Gate of Fort Santiago. The Fort is among the few tourism/historical sites finally opened to the public in Intramuros, Manila during the general community quarantine period. According to Fort Santiago OIC David John Pontiga, around 100 persons are allowed inside at a time today to avoid crowding, with the number to be (possibly) increased by next week. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Almost 300 tourism workers in Intramuros received P5,000 each in cash assistance for displaced workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said a total of 295 vendors and other informal tourism workers would benefit from cash assistance amounting to a budget of P1.5 million, following the approval of allotment under DOT and Department of Labor and Employment’s cash assistance program under Bayanihan 2.

“This assistance is only a bridge to help, but what will ensure sustainability is the reopening of the district, which we are witnessing now,” Puyat said in her message during the ceremonial awarding of certificates of aid to heads of workers in Rajah Sulayman Theater in Fort Santiago on Monday.

The beneficiaries include 138 carinderia (eatery) and ambulant vendors, 87 security personnel, 20 janitors, 20 DOT-accredited pedicab drivers and 30 calesa drivers.

The issuance of cash aid was concurrent to partial re-opening of Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, with Metro Manila and nearby areas placed under the General Community Quarantine.

“Let us all welcome our visitors safely by wearing our face mask, face shield, and observing proper social distancing. This pandemic may have affected our plans and programs, but it will not deter us from showing the Filipino brand of service,” Romulo-Puyat added.

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