FROM LATE January to early February this year, heavy rains caused by a low-pressure area and the northeastern monsoon led to extensive floods and landslides in Mindanao, particularly affecting Davao Region.
These weather events caused significant damage to homes, farms, public facilities, and businesses, including tourism sites. In response to this emergency, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Social Welfare and Development offered training and financial aid to those impacted in Davao Region through the “Bayanihan Sa Bukas na May Pag-asa para sa Turismo,” a convergence program of the said agencies that recognize the urgency of providing immediate assistance to affected sectors during a crisis. It also aims to capacitate displaced tourism stakeholders and provide essential assistance.
Both DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian graced the ceremonial distribution of the BBMT assistance on May 27, Monday, at the Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol in Mati City.
“During disasters, we often overlook the needs of our tourism workers who face challenges in recovery, requiring retraining and awaiting the lengthy rehabilitation of affected destinations. Collaboration with the DSWD and local officials is crucial to address this issue effectively,” said Frasco during the program.
The tourism chief and Gatchalian were accompanied by City Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, Davao Oriental Governor Nino Sotero L. Uy, Jr., Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy M. Gonzaga, Congressman Dayanghirang, and Councilor Almario in the distribution ceremony. Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane also joined the program via online feed.
The DOT has assisted 1,301 displaced tourism workers in the Davao Region, providing training under the program. These workers, from 145 establishments and 19 destinations, held various roles such as resort and hotel staff, lifeguards, maintenance personnel, and more. The regional office has initially conducted 3 trainings and has 19 more in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development awarded 1,283 beneficiaries from Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte for the emergency cash transfer amounting to a total of P10,204,020.00
