CLOSE TO P1.5 million in cash assistance was extended to 295 informal tourism workers in Intramuros on Monday, just as the walled city reopened some of its sites to visitors.
In a news statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said the informal workers included 138 carinderia staff and ambulant vendors, 87 security personnel, 20 DOT-accredited pedicab drivers, 20 janitors, and 30 calesa drivers. Each received a one-time cash assistance of P5,000 made available under the joint program of the DOT and Department of Labor and Employment, with funds from the Bayanihan Law 2.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat led the ceremonial awarding of cash benefits at the Rajah Sulayman Theater in Fort Santiago to the heads and representatives of the associations, of which the 295 workers were members.
“This assistance is only a bridge to help, but what will ensure sustainability is the reopening of the district, which we are witnessing now,” she said in her message.
The DOT chief said the Intramuros Administration (IA) will provide training and workshops to help these informal tourism workers navigate the new normal business landscape.
IA’s Urban Planning and Community Development Division also issued vending permits and other certificates needed by the pedicab drivers and vendors so they could enjoy the benefits of registered workers in Intramuros.
Shorter operating hours for walled city sites
The historic walled city opened two of its most popular sites to visitors on Monday following the easing of quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. Romulo Puyat said Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego are open but on a limited capacity and under shorter operating hours, with strict compliance to health and safety protocols.
“Let us all welcome our visitors safely by wearing our face mask, face shield, and observing proper social distancing. This pandemic may have affected our plans and programs, but it will not deter us from showing the Filipino brand of service,” she underscored.
Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, Intramuros received 3.3 million visitors.
Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases guidelines for areas under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions, tourist attractions may now operate at 30 percent of the venue capacity.
As such, Fort Santiago will accommodate only 200 visitors, while the Baluarte de San Diego will allow a maximum of 100 persons at a time, which are both below the 30 percent threshold, but are deemed essential to ensure monitoring of proper protocols.
Fort Santiago will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while the Baluarte garden will operate 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee is P75, which may be paid in cash or via Beep card or PayMaya. Senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities may pay the discounted price of P50. Under IATF guidelines, only visitors aged 18 to 65 may be allowed at these sites. All guests must register their visit through a QR code system for contact tracing prior to entry.
“The reopening of Fort Santiago and Baluarte San Diego will allow visitors to again experience the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction as recognized by the prestigious World Tourism Awards,” said Romulo Puyat.