The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has made a significant announcement to support tourism workers in regions affected by both natural disasters and human-made crises. This initiative aims at prioritizing these workers for government assistance, which was officially unveiled on January 23 during a partnership formalization with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

This memorandum, titled Cooperating for a Future with Hope in Tourism, was originally drafted in response to the disastrous oil spill that shook Oriental Mindoro in 2023, impacting over a thousand tourism workers in the region.

The agreement aims to provide alternative livelihood training for the tourism front-liners who faced emergencies or disasters, ensuring they receive cash transfers and job training prioritization from the DSWD.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated: “The partnership between the DOT and the DSWD under this mechanism will be activated in the wake of calamities and disaster. We do not wish for any more disasters to befall the country but should it happen, the DOT and the DSWD partnership will be there to help our tourism workers.”

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian added that many workers in remote areas are essential to the economy’s tourism sector and deserve urgent attention and aid.

The livelihood programs provided will cover various skills including handicraft training, homestay management, and even culinary arts, exemplifying the government’s commitment to uplift the tourism sector.