Typhoon-hit DoT workers get aid

Around 4,800 tourism workers affected by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon have received relief aid from the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), following a joint assistance effort by the two agencies last week.

The tourism officers who received aid from the DoT and DSWD are from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Central Luzon (Region 3), Calabarzon (Region 4A), Mimaropa (Region 4B), Negros Island Region (NIR) and Western Visayas (Region 6).

“The livelihoods of our tourism frontline workers have been deeply affected, resulting in not only a loss of income but also diminished security for their families. This situation underscores the critical need for targeted assistance to these workers, who are essential to the tourism sector,” said Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco.

“The swift actions taken by the DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, have provided vital relief to these individuals. By prioritizing support for tourism workers, we not only help sustain their families but also strengthen the foundation of our tourism industry,” Frasco added.

The DoT said it continues to proactively assist both locals and tourists through its integrated Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC) at 151-TOUR (151-8687), which operates 24/7.

The regional offices are also closely monitoring on-the-ground situations, especially in areas hit by the typhoons and habagat.

As of 26 July, some areas severely hit by the typhoons and habagat have lifted the suspension of tourism activities.

Travelers are advised to monitor announcements from the local government units.

In Metro Manila, Intramuros-managed sites — including Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum, Baluarte de San Diego, Centro de Turismo Intramuros, and Museo de Intramuros — have resumed regular operations.

The town of Sagada in Mountain Province Sagada has resumed limited tourism activity, including outdoor tours and site-specific caving and spelunking.

The Province of Abra has resumed limited tourism activities at select destinations, including Lusuac Spring, Gaco View Deck and Ponpon Foot Bridge.

In Ifugao, tourism activities in Mayoyao will resume beginning 27 July.

The DoT continues to coordinate closely with its regional offices, LGUs, and other partner government agencies to ensure a unified and timely response to weather disruptions.