Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday (Oct. 20) led the distribution of Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to 677 tourism workers affected by Typhoon Opong—marking the latest rollout of the Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program.
BBMT is a joint program between the DOT and the DSWD which provides financial assistance and livelihood opportunities to tourism workers in the Philippines whose income has been affected by disasters.
Launched under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the BBMT program provides relief and livelihood support to tourism workers in disaster-affected areas.
Attending on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the ECT distribution was led by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto “Anton” Floirendo Lagdameo Jr.; Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara; Agriculture Undersecretary Engr. Roger Navarro; Masbate Governor Richard Kho; Vice Governor Fernando Talisic; Health Regional Director Dr. Rosa Maria Rempillo; and DOT Bicol Regional Director Herbie Aguas at the Magallanes Coliseum in Masbate City,
In her message, Secretary Frasco expressed gratitude to Masbate’s tourism workers and underscored the significance of BBMT in uplifting livelihoods affected by calamities.
“Nandito po tayo ngayon para sa pag-distribute ng Emergency Cash Transfer, kasali po ito sa programa ng DSWD at Department of Tourism na tinatawag na ‘Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo’. Dahil alam naman po natin na sa turismo palaging may pag-asa. Kaya unang-una po sa lahat, pinapasalamatan po namin kayong lahat sa lahat ng inyong dedikasyon, serbisyo pati na rin po ‘yung inyong kontribusyon sa turismo ng ating bansa. Dahil po sa inyo, because of your service and hardwork for the tourism industry, ay ang laking ambag po nito sa ating ekonomiya. Halos umabot na po sa 9% sa ating GDP ‘yung kontribusyon ng turismo, kasali po kayo diyan,” Secretary Frasco said.
The Tourism Chief further emphasized that the government’s efforts reflect the compassion and leadership of President Marcos Jr., ensuring that aid reaches those most affected by calamities.
“‘Yung activity (BBMT) natin ngayon ay pagpapaalala po sa inyo na ‘yung inyong gobyerno, sa liderato ng ating Presidente Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ay hindi lamang nandiyan sa panahon ng kasayahan. Wala ra ang gobyerno alang sa panahon sa kalipay, kundili usab sa panahon sa kalisod, ug karon nga ang atong mga tourism workers nag-atubang og tukmang kalisod tungod sa pagkawala sa inyong panginabuhi—naa ang gobyerno namuhatag ug tabang kaninyo,” Secretary Frasco said in a mix of Filipino and Bisaya.
Echoing the message of the President, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Floirendo Lagdameo Jr. reaffirmed the Marcos Administration’s commitment to sustained government aid and quick response in times of disaster.
“Gustong ipaabot ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa inyong lahat na andito talaga ang gobyerno para tumulong. Mabilis ang response, after ng bagyong Ompong, andito siya agad, at ngayon nandito ulit kami para siguraduhin na tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang tulong. We’re here to make sure na mabigay ‘yong mga assistance at makabangon agad lahat. Importante ang tourism industry to get more people in. So kailangan makabangon tayong lahat agad,” SAP Lagdameo said.
Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian reaffirmed his department’s commitment to prioritizing disaster-hit tourism workers and sustaining inter-agency cooperation for recovery.
“Lagi akong nire-remind ni Secretary Frasco na kayo (tourism workers) ang bumubuhay sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa. Kaya sa ganitong mga pagkakataon, sisiguraduhin namin na sa hanay ng DSWD at ng buong pamahalaan, katabi ninyo kami sa inyong pagbangon,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
For his part, Governor Richard Kho thanked the President and the visiting Cabinet members for personally overseeing the aid distribution, describing it as proof that Masbate has not been forgotten.
“Ito pong Emergency Cash Transfer ay hindi lang pagsuporta, kundi patunay na hindi tayo nakalimutan ng ating Pangulo, ng mga departamento, at ng ating gobyerno. Marami pang nasalanta ng bagyo sa bansa, pero naglaan sila ng oras para sa Masbate. Kaya po, mula po sa aming lahat — Dios Mabalos!” Governor Kho said.
Typhoon Opong, which struck the Bicol Region last September, displaced thousands of families nationwide, including many who rely on tourism and community trade for income.
Following the BBMT rollout, Secretary Frasco and fellow Cabinet members conducted site inspections across Masbate—including 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—to cover ongoing agricultural, health, and education rehabilitation efforts and demonstrating the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to recovery and development.
Secretaries Frasco and Gatchalian also distributed cash assistance to tourism workers affected by calamities in Davao Oriental and Aurora. (DOT)
