MORE tourism frontliners have been extended financial assistance under government’s cash assistance program for workers displaced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of the continuing efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under Bayanihan 2, some P7.08 million in cash benefits were extended to 1,415 golf caddies, workers, and employees in five major golf clubs in Metro Manila.
These include: 509 caddies, tee boys and girls, golf instructors, vendors, and other employees from Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course, along with 340 caddies from the Veterans Golf Club, 293 caddies from the Alabang Golf and Country Club Inc., 167 caddies from the Club Intramuros Golf Course, and 106 employees of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat on Thursday led the virtual ceremony awarding the cash aid certificates to the beneficiaries. “For the beneficiaries of the cash assistance program with us today, I hope that this amount can help you and your families in this difficult time,” she said. “We humbly ask for your continued trust and support as we continue to seek out or develop additional solutions to help all tourism stakeholders and workers through this ongoing health crisis,” she added.
Data from the DOLE showed as of May 23, some P1.8 billion has been disbursed to 362,735 tourism frontliners, indicating a 58.7-percent utilization rate of the P3.1-billion funding assistance made available under Bayanihan 2. The agency had targeted 601,400 tourism beneficiaries under its Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program for Tourism.
Some P1.3 billion in funds remain under the CAMP-Tourism program that will cover 248,000 workers, said DOLE. Payments to 206,278 workers is still for disbursement as of May 23. In addition, of 223,894 applications “under evaluation,” 42,069 “may be approved” to receive the cash aid, according to the agency.
Meanwhile, a DOT news statement said in the National Capital Region (NCR) alone, 50,856 tourism workers were approved to receive financial assistance amounting to P254.3 million, of which 35,214 have actually received P176.07 million.
“Despite the odds, challenges, and hurdles before us, we must never give up hope. It will take effort and perseverance but with all of us doing our part, I believe that the country’s tourism sector can recover and prosper once again,” said Romulo Puyat.
She was joined by DOLE-NCR Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Russel Jallorina in the virtual event as well as presidents and general managers of the golf clubs, and some members of the National Golf Association of the Philippines.
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