The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), headed by Secretaries Christina Garcia Frasco and Rex Gatchalian, respectively, extended Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance on Monday, 20 October to 677 tourism workers in Masbate who were affected by Typhoon Opong.

The aid was part of the agencies’ joint program, “Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo” (BBMT), which aims to support those whose livelihoods were disrupted by natural disasters.

“Because we all know that in tourism, there is always hope,” Frasco said, expressing her appreciation to the Masbate workers.

“Because of your hard work and service to the tourism industry, you have made a huge impact on our economy. Tourism’s contribution has reached almost 9 percent of our GDP, and you are part of that achievement.”

Gatchalian echoed her statement, saying, “Secretary Frasco always reminds me that you, our tourism workers, are the ones who keep our country’s economy alive. That’s why in times like these, we at the DSWD, along with the entire government, will make sure to stand beside you as you recover.”

Typhoon Opong caused widespread damage across the province when it struck the Bicol Region in September, affecting thousands of families and individuals, and destroying livelihoods, agricultural areas, infrastructure, and homes.