President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting tourism workers as he launched the Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program at the Baler Convention Center in Aurora.
In his keynote message, Marcos underscored tourism’s role in sustaining livelihoods and driving national development, noting that the sector contributes about 8% to the country’s GDP.
The President assured that the BBMT will continue to expand in disaster-affected regions, with support extending beyond relief to long-term efforts to strengthen the industry.
“Asahan po ninyo kahit nasaang sektor kayo sa ating lipunan, kahit po ‘yung naging trabaho ninyo, kahit ano po ang naging hanapbuhay ninyo, kapag po kayo ay naging biktima ng sakuna-kahit anong klaseng sakuna-asahan ninyo po na nandito po ang inyong pamahalaan upang alalayan kayo na matulungan kayo upang maipatuloy ninyo ang inyong paghahanapbuhay,” the President said.
“Ang pamahalaan ay nandito hindi lamang sa panahon ng krisis.”
“At bukod pa roon, ang pamahalaan ay nandito hindi lamang sa panahon ng krisis. Nandito po ang pamahalaan upang patuloy na pinapaganda ang inyong industriya, patuloy na pinapalago ang inyong industriya, at pinapaganda ang inyong hanapbuhay sa industriya ng turismo,” he added.
Together with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the President distributed P11,250 each in training and financial assistance to affected tourism workers.
“Ganoon din ang hangarin natin sa DepEd-na maibigay ang skills development training sa ating mga mag-aaral para mas mapaunlad at magamit nila ang kanilang kakayahan.”
“Malaking bagay talaga ang ganitong mga inisyatiba ng pamahalaan para mas matulungan ang ating mga kababayang nasa industriya ng turismo. Ganoon din ang hangarin natin sa DepEd-na maibigay ang skills development training sa ating mga mag-aaral para mas mapaunlad at magamit nila ang kanilang kakayahan,” Angara said.
“Ipinapaabot natin ang ating pasasalamat kay PBBM para sa kanyang taos-pusong suporta sa mga Pilipinong tunay na nangangailangan ng tulong ng pamahalaan. Masuwerte rin tayo na dito mismo sa ating probinsiya inilunsad ang programang ito-na kilala rin sa iba’t ibang magagandang tourist destinations,” the education chief added.
The BBMT provides cash aid and alternative livelihood training. Since its launch, more than 2,800 beneficiaries-including those from Davao Region, Agusan del Sur, and Oriental Mindoro-have received support.
Also present were distinguished guests Presidential son Vinny Marcos, local officials of Aurora including Lone District Representative Congressman Rommel Rico Angara, Baler Mayor Rhett Angara, and municipal mayors Roynaldo Soriano of Casiguran, Rommer Agustin of Dilasag, Arvee Vargas of Dinalungan, Danny Tolentino of Dipaculao, Aurora Taay of Dingalan, Ariel Bitong of Maria Aurora, and Ariel De Jesus of San Luis.
DOT officials Undersecretary Maria Rica Bueno, Assitant Secretary Ronald Conopio, Director Arlene Alipio, and DOT Region III Director Richard Daenos, along with representatives of tourism stakeholders and program beneficiaries, also attended the program.
