In a concerted effort to aid tourism workers affected by recent disasters, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco distributed cash assistance on Monday, May 27, 2024, in the Davao region. This initiative, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for a comprehensive national approach to recovery, aimed to support workers impacted by severe flooding earlier this year.
The ceremonial turnover of aid took place in multiple locations, including Mati, Davao Oriental; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; and Asuncion, Davao del Norte. A total of 1,283 tourism workers received PHP 9,960.00 each under the DOT’s Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa Para sa Turismo (BBMT) project. This financial assistance is part of a broader effort to help those whose livelihoods were disrupted by the shear line and trough-induced flooding.
Secretary Gatchalian, accompanied by DSWD XI Regional Director Atty. Vanessa B. Goc-ong, emphasized the importance of a unified response to assist the affected communities.
The event was participated by various local government officials, including Davao Oriental 1st District Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang Sr., Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno D Almario, Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat, Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr., Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga, and Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr.
The DSWD supported the DOT’s initiative by mobilizing resources and deploying aid to facilitate the recovery process for the affected population. This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to restoring the livelihoods of tourism workers and ensuring their resilience against future adversities.
The DSWD and DOT’s joint effort exemplifies the spirit of ‘bayanihan’, highlighting the importance of solidarity and cooperation in overcoming challenges and fostering recovery in the tourism sector. (DSWD XI/EMCJr/RSD)
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