THE labor department has approved the application of close to 400,000 tourism sector workers for the one-time P5,000 aid under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).
As of April 11, beneficiaries include 370,434 workers from 14,301 tourism establishments, organizations, and associations nationwide and 13,123 workers who applied individually.
Of the assistance, P1.2 billion was already remitted to payment centers while the remaining P719.2 million is awaiting disbursement.
In a virtual ceremony on Monday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat led the awarding of assistance to select beneficiaries in the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
Bello encouraged tourism sector workers who were displaced by the pandemic “especially those affected by the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, including the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal to apply for the financial aid” being jointly implemented by the labor and tourism departments.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay said that in the first week of implementation of the enhanced community quarantine alone, around 8,000 tourism sector workers have already benefitted from CAMP.
“We will never falter despite the increasing odds brought about by this pandemic. In the coming months, as we start to put the economy on its track, we hope that our tourism stakeholders will get back on their feet stronger than before,” said Bello as he assured that both DOLE and DOT will continuously assist workers in the tourism sector.
Among the beneficiaries are the Philippine Association for Licensed Massage Therapists Inc., World Photo Journeys Travel and Tours, 1 Aviation Ground Handling Services Corporation, Hotel Kimberly Manila, Okada Manila Hotel, Great Sights Travel and Tours Corporation, Hop Inn Ermita, Link-World Travel and Tours, Canadian Travel and Tour Corporation, and PLDOZE Travel and Tours in the National Capital Region.
In Central Luzon, the beneficiaries include Baliuag Buntal Handicrafts Manufacturing, Hilot Kamay One Guiguinteño, San Francisco TODA, Sta. Ana Bulakan TODA, Sto. Rosario Tibig TODA, Zesto Tricycle Operations and Drivers Association Inc., Triple Junction Subdivision TODA, Marilao Poblacion 2 Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, and Gitda-08 Daungan TODA.
Meanwhile, CAMP beneficiaries in CALABARZON include Bag of Beans Café and Restaurant, Inc.; Lantic Carmona Estates, Cedar, Manila Jockey TODA; Public Utility Jeepney Association of Carmona, Inc.; Maduya-PNCC-Golden Mile Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association Inc.; Carmona Public Market Calabuso TODA, Tour Guide and Recreation Association, Inc.; Samahang Nagkakaisa para sa Kaunlaran ng Myseoul Tiangge; Samahan ng Manininda, Mananahi at mga Tauhan sa Bagpi Taytay; Taytay’s Fashion Group; Antipolo Group Inc.; United Boatmen Association; Maria Makiling Frontliners Association Inc.; Costales Nature Farms, Inc.; Bukal Local Guide Association and Lumban Embroidery Association Multipurpose Cooperative.
To apply for the assistance, establishments/associations/organizations/individuals must submit the documentary requirements to the DOT Regional Office for initial evaluation. Upon verification of completeness, the DOT Regional Office shall direct the applicant to submit their application and complete requirements online through https://reports.dole.gov.ph/.
