Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat approves of a community livelihood program centered on one of the hottest commodities today--face masks.
"That could also be a possibility," Puyat said regarding the idea during Thursday's House Appropriations Committee briefing on the agency's proposed budget of P3.5 billion for next year.
Deputy Majority Leader, Manila 5th district Rep. Cristal Bagatsing actually made the pitch to Puyat in the context of trying to find ways to revive domestic tourism in the historic Walled City of Intramuros.
"Perhaps we can also come up with community-based livelihood given the situation?" she said after Intramuros Administrator Guiller Asido told the House panel that tourism activities within Intramuros have yet to resume due to the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
"I would like to ask for the Secretary's support in regard to creating perhaps a community-based livelihood for tourism, like face mask-making. They can make it locally designed, they can even show off (via images on the masks) the destination of where they're from. It's also one way to support local," Bagatsing said.
The DOT chief responded positively.
"Yes of course it's OK and we can actually look at the mask-making also for the cash-for-work program. That would be perfect because it is in line with (the) COVID (situation) and of course we always want to support local," Puyat said.
Bagatsing said the masks have enough space on them to feature images of say, a kalesa (horse carriages)--a common sight in Intramuros before the pandemic struck--in order to promote the area for the tourists' eventual return.
For a beach setting, the lady solon said pictures of the world-famous Boracay may be featured on the masks.
Meanwhile, Asido said they would continue their online engagement as far as tourism activities in Intramuros is concerned.
"In terms of how we will revive Intramuros as a tourist destination by next year, we will continue pushing on the digital platform and then ensure that the proper health protocols are in place when we do open already for domestic tourists," he said.