TOURISM SECRETARY Christina G. Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian led the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) aid distribution on Monday to 677 tourism workers in Masbate, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said.
The cash aid was directed at tourism workers affected by Typhoon Opong (international name: Bulaoi) and drew funds from the Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program.
The DoT said BBMT is a joint program between the DoT and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) designed to provide relief to tourism workers affected by calamities.
Also present at the distribution were Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Floirendo Lagdameo, Jr.; Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara; and Agriculture Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro.
Ms. Frasco was quoted in the statement as saying:
“Ang laking ambag po (ng turismo) nito sa ating ekonomiya. Halos umabot na po sa 9% sa ating GDP ‘yung kontribusyon ng turismo, kasali po kayo diyan (Tourism accounts for nearly 9% of the economy, and you are a part of it).”
Mr. Lagdameo Jr. conveyed the President’s desire to deliver aid promptly to ensure that “makabangon lahat” (so everyone recovers).
Masbate Gov. Richard Kho said at the distribution ceremony: “Marami pang nasalanta ng bagyo sa bansa, pero naglaan sila ng oras para sa Masbate (There are many typhoon victims nationwide, but the government delegation made time for Masbate).”
The Cabinet members also inspected the Masbate Center for Livestock Development in Asid, Masbate City; the Masbate Provincial Hospital; and the Masbate Comprehensive National High School and Nursery Elementary School, as well as school rehabilitation efforts. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay