The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have provided crucial financial support to tourism workers in Davao Oriental whose livelihoods were upended by a series of powerful earthquakes last October.
Government Prioritizes Tourism Sector in Recovery
A total of 1,337 tourism workers from various establishments across ten towns in the province have received cash assistance through the government's Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program. The initiative, dubbed "Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo," specifically targets individuals in the vital tourism sector who faced income loss following the seismic events that struck on October 10.
Each beneficiary received P10,341 in direct aid. The distribution was spearheaded by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and DOT Secretary Christina Frasco during a ceremony in Mati City on December 4. They were joined by key local and regional officials, including Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario.
A Commitment to a Key Economic Driver
In his address, Secretary Gatchalian emphasized the rationale behind prioritizing tourism workers for support. "Our partnership with the DOT is important because this is the sector we prioritize when it comes to financial assistance," Gatchalian stated. He acknowledged the workers' significant productivity and contribution to both the local and national economies, affirming that "in times of need, it is only right that we take care of you."
For her part, Secretary Frasco reinforced the government's commitment to ensuring tourism remains a stable source of livelihood. "Our goal is really to make sure that tourism continues to be a stable, secure, and reliable source of livelihood for our local communities and our country’s economy," Frasco said. She pledged continued close coordination with local government units and other national agencies to deliver proper assistance.
Ongoing Aid for Affected Families
Beyond the targeted aid for tourism workers, the DSWD-Davao office continues to distribute ECT to other families impacted by the earthquakes. As of December 1, the agency reported that 849 severely-affected families in Davao Oriental have received P10,341 each. An additional 11,780 families classified as slightly affected have been granted P5,362 each.
This comprehensive relief effort underscores the national government's focus on aiding Davao Oriental, a region renowned as a top tourism destination in Mindanao, in its recovery from natural disasters. The direct cash infusion aims to provide immediate economic relief and support the province's journey back to normalcy.
