Over 23k displaced tourism workers in Central Visayas to receive cash aid

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – More than 23,293 displaced tourism workers from Central Visayas are approved to receive financial aid under the DOT-DOLE Cash Assistance Program of the Bayanihan 2 amounting to Php 116,465,000 as Tourism secretary Bernadette Puyat announced this during the virtual awarding of certificates to beneficiaries in Bohol Friday, April 30.

Puyat awarded 1,594 workers/beneficiaries from the 16 Bohol-based establishments coming from tourism support services, resorts, restaurants, community-based tourism organizations (CBTO), and transportation, among others.

Bohol Province recorded 8,513 workers who have availed of the cash assistance program; 11,327 from Cebu Province; 1,564 from Negros Oriental, and 1,889 workers from Siquijor.  Each displaced tourism worker received Php 5,000.

“These are but a few of the many programs the DOT has taken part or initiated to help the tourism industry of Bohol recover. We are counting on the continued support of our LGUs and the private sector to spur recovery forward,” Puyat said in her opening message.

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, who also attended the virtual event said that the province continues to prepare for an eventual reopening, to try its best to give support to tourism and transport operators.

“All the DOT guidelines, certifications, and rules were all included in the provincial ordinance when we crafted our own Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) seal for the guidance of all our operators,” Yap added.

Yap said that the UBE seal is the provincial government’s seal of good housekeeping for all tourism establishments.

One of the beneficiaries from Bohol, Greatyl Garganian of Balicasag Island Dive Resort said, “Dahil po sa lockdown, walang mga turista at bisita ang resort.  Ang iba sa amin ay nawalan ng trabaho, habang ang iba naman ay nabawasan ang araw ng pagtatrabaho. Kaya po malaking tulong itong cash assistance na naibigay.”

Puyat bared that the DOT’s programs and products to jumpstart the revival of tourism in the province of Bohol such as the  development of “Farm, Fork, and Fitness: A Mountain to Sea Circuit to Wellness,” the Bohol Province Run featuring outdoor adventure trails; and the Bohol Culinary Circuit underscoring the gastronomic traditions of Panglao, Loon, Jagna, Loay, and Baclayon are expected to revive Bohol’s tourism grandeur.

“At each of our destinations, we are collaborating with local government units, stakeholders and tourism workers, and the local communities to develop tourism destination products that will jumpstart the revival of tourism,” Puyat stated.

As of April 15, there are already 1,045 DOT-accredited accommodations in Central Visayas, an increase of 541.10 percent compared to the same period last year.  Of this number, 264 are in Bohol. (Photos: Google Images/Bohol)