The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched simultaneous relief operations to provide financial assistance to thousands of tourism workers affected by the strong earthquakes in Davao Oriental and Bogo City, Cebu.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the intervention reflects the administration’s unified effort to safeguard livelihoods disrupted by the tremors in October.

During the Dec. 4 Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) rollout in Mati City, 1,339 tourism workers received aid in a program led by DOT and DSWD with support from local government units and community leaders.

Frasco, representing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., highlighted that the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that rocked Davao Oriental caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

She added that the government’s approach aims to restore tourism as a “stable, secure, and reliable source of livelihood” for affected communities.

Frasco noted that Davao Region remains a key driver of the country’s tourism economy, with DOT and LGU efforts ensuring experiences remain “accessible, diversified, and able to sustain local employment.”

Tourism, she said, contributes nearly nine percent to the country’s gross domestic product and supports around 16 million Filipinos through direct and indirect employment.

Frasco and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally handed financial aid to beneficiaries. They were joined by Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario.

Gatchalian stressed that the President directed the prioritization of tourism workers in post-disaster assistance.

“Ito lang ‘yong sektor talaga na inuuna natin pagdating sa tulong pinansyal dahil alam namin na produktibo kayong bahagi ng ating ekonomiya… at sa oras ng pangangailangan, dapat naman kami ang nangangalaga sa inyo (This sector is our top priority for financial aid because we know you are an essential part of the economy, and in times of need, we are the ones who take care of you),” he said.

Dayanghirang described tourism as Davao Oriental’s lifeline—“livelihood, culture, and identity”—while Almario thanked national officials for their support, emphasizing their commitment to recovery.

Frasco added that the DOT–DSWD partnership specifically targets workers who have significantly contributed to local economies and areas that continue to attract visitors.

In Bogo City, Cebu, 365 affected tourism workers also received financial assistance through a DOT-led ECT distribution.

The President has approved over P200 million in aid for Cebu, including allocations for Bogo City and other affected areas, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to rehabilitation.

For Northern Cebu tourism enterprises, DOT Region VII partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Small Business Corporation to provide recovery loans under the Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing (ERF) and Turismo Asenso Loan programs.

The initiative has so far benefited nearly 1,800 individuals across the region.

Beyond immediate aid, the DOT is also prioritizing the preservation and restoration of tourism heritage sites damaged by the earthquakes to protect cultural assets vital to local identity and visitor appeal.

The relief operations in Davao Oriental and Cebu are part of the “Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo” (BBMT) program, a joint DOT–DSWD initiative ensuring tourism workers are supported during disasters and crises.