295 informal Intramuros tourism workers receive P1.5M in cash aid from local gov't

A total of 295 vendors, pedicab drivers and other tourism workers in Intramuros have received almost P1.5 million cash aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the beneficiaries who received P5,000 each are 138 vendors, 87 security personnel, 20 pedicab drivers, 20 janitorial services workers and 30 calesa drivers.

One of the beneficiaries, Gerald Abellar, said they are very thankful for the help and will thus continue giving their services to the tourist spot.

“We commit to maintain the beauty and order of Intramuros as well as the strict observance of health and safety protocols to help suppress COVID-19,” he said in Filipino.

This initiative is part of the Department of Tourism (DOT) - Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Cash Assistance Program of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Also known as Bayanihan 2, the program allocated a total of P3 billion cash assistance to displaced workers in the tourism industry, including those in the informal sector.

According to DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the Intramuros Administration will also offer trainings and workshops to equip the workers for the new normal.

Vending permits have also been secured to pedicab drivers and vendors by the Urban Planning and Community Development Division to let them enjoy the benefits.

On Monday, the Fort Santiago and the Baluarte de San Diego reopened its doors to the public after NCR Plus was placed under GCQ “with heightened restrictions.”

“Let us all welcome our visitors safely by wearing our face mask, face shield, and observing proper social distancing,” Puyat said.

“This pandemic may have affected our plans and programs, but it will not deter us from showing the Filipino brand of service,” she added. —JCB, GMA News