Representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, – together with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Rex Gatchalian-led the distribution of Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to 677 tourism workers in Masbate affected by Typhoon Opong.
The distribution marks the latest rollout of the Bayanihan sa Bukas na May Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program of the DSWD and DOT, launched to provide relief and livelihood support to tourism workers in disaster-affected areas.
Held at the Magallanes Coliseum in Masbate City, the ECT distribution was attended by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Agriculture Undersecretary Engr. Roger Navarro, Masbate Governor Richard Kho, Vice Governor Fernando Talisic, Health Regional Director Dr. Rosa Maria Rempillo, and DOT Bicol Regional Director Herbie Aguas.
In her message, Frasco expressed gratitude to Masbate’s tourism workers and underscored the significance of BBMT in uplifting livelihoods affected by calamities.
“Nandito po tayo ngayon para sa pag-distribute ng Emergency Cash Transfer, kasali po ito sa programa ng DSWD at Department of Tourism na tinatawag na ‘Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo’. Dahil alam naman po natin na sa turismo palaging may pag-asa,” the tourism chief.
“Because of your service and hardwork for the tourism industry, ay ang laking ambag po nito sa ating ekonomiya.”
“Kaya unang-una po sa lahat, pinapasalamatan po namin kayong lahat sa lahat ng inyong dedikasyon, serbisyo pati na rin po ‘yung inyong kontribusyon sa turismo ng ating bansa. Dahil po sa inyo, because of your service and hardwork for the tourism industry, ay ang laking ambag po nito sa ating ekonomiya. Halos umabot na po sa 9% sa ating GDP ‘yung kontribusyon ng turismo, kasali po kayo diyan,” the tourism head added.
She also highlighted Masbate’s rich attractions that strengthen its position as a promising Bicol destination.
“Ang Masbate ay punong-puno ng napakagandang mga tourism destinations and experiences, kasali na diyan ‘yung Rodeo Masbateno, na napakaganda na experience na na-attend-an ko a few years ago, pati na rin po ‘yung diving ninyo sa Ticao Island, at of course ‘yung napakasarap na carmelado at ‘yung kilalang-kilalang beef ng Masbate,” Frasco said.
She further emphasized that the government’s efforts reflect the compassion and leadership of President Marcos Jr., ensuring that aid reaches those most affected by calamities.
“‘Yung inyong gobyerno ay hindi lamang nandiyan sa panahon ng kasayahan.”
“‘Yung activity (BBMT) natin ngayon ay pagpapaalala po sa inyo na ‘yung inyong gobyerno, sa liderato ng ating Presidente Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ay hindi lamang nandiyan sa panahon ng kasayahan. Wala ra ang gobyerno alang sa panahon sa kalipay, kundili usab sa panahon sa kalisod, ug karon nga ang atong mga tourism workers nag-atubang og tukmang kalisod tungod sa pagkawala sa inyong panginabuhi-naa ang gobyerno namuhatag ug tabang kaninyo,” Frasco said in a mix of Filipino and Bisaya.
Typhoon Opong, which struck the Bicol Region last September, displaced more than 120,000 families nationwide, including many who rely on tourism and community trade for income.
Following the BBMT rollout, Frasco and fellow Cabinet members conducted site inspections across Masbate-including the Masbate Center for Livestock Development in Asid, Masbate City; the Masbate Provincial Hospital; and the Masbate Comprehensive National High School and Nursery Elementary School-to cover ongoing agricultural, health, and education rehabilitation efforts and demonstrating the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to recovery and development.
