PANDEMIC-HIT. A resort in Marabut, Samar in this July 2020 photo. The Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas has called on the 14,000 workers in the tourism sector displaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to avail of the assistance program from the central government. (Photo courtesy of Caluwayan Palm Island Resort)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas has called on the 14,000 workers in the tourism sector displaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to avail of the assistance program from the central government.
DOT regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes said on Wednesday that workers in the primary and secondary tourism enterprises with accreditation from the tourism department or licensed by the local government are entitled to receive the financial aid.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to submit their applications on or before Dec. 15 although no deadline has been set yet for the processing.
“We strongly appeal to you all to avail of the Department of Labor and Employment – DOT Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program 2 cash assistance that grants PHP5,000 pandemic-displaced and affected employees, industry workers, and members of community-based tourism organizations,” Tiopes said in a phone interview.
For Eastern Visayas, the central government has set aside PHP74.19 million for hotel staff, restaurant crew, resort workers, travel agency personnel, souvenir shops employee, tour guides, catering services crew, among others.
The DOT posted the program guidelines and a detailed application flow to make potential beneficiaries fully aware of how to avail of the cash aid.
“Please find time to do this for your employees and members. Let us help tide them (over) during this season of sharing and thanksgiving,” she added.
Affected workers are encouraged to contact the DOT regional office, local tourism officers, and local public employment services officers for clarifications and online application assistance. (PNA)
