CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) called on tourism sector workers who were displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for financial aid.
DOT Regional Director Carolina Uy said the financial assistance and cash-for-work program is part of the government’s efforts under Republic Act 11494 otherwise known as Bayanihan to Recover As One Act to address the negative impacts of the pandemic on the tourism sector.
Uy said qualified applicants should either be displaced employees of DOT-accredited establishments, members of registered Community-Based Tourism Organizations (CBTOs), and displaced DOT-accredited and local government unit licensed tour guides.
“Applicants who are registered under Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Social Amelioration Program can still be accepted if deemed qualified. In addition, workers of establishments which implemented a flexible work arrangement (FWA) and alternate work schemes (AWS) can also apply under the program,” she said.
Requirements for application of those belonging in the DOT-accredited or local government unit (LGU)-licensed primary and secondary tourism enterprises include payroll, photocopy of DOT accreditation certificate or certified true copy of LGU license or business permit, proof of unemployment of displaced tourism worker, and any documentary proof of the implementation of FWA and AWS such as company notices or announcements, time records, and pay slips.
“For those under the CBTOs, they need to submit a copy of valid registration certificate from the relevant national government agency (NGA) or LGU, and the list of active members certified by the organization or association head,” Uy said.
The official added that for tour guides, they need to submit a registration certificate from the NGA or concerned LGU, list of members that are DOT-accredited or LGU-licensed as duly certified by the organization or association head, copy of training voucher issued by the DOT Regional Office, and valid DOT-accreditation number or LGU license.
Qualified applicants may submit their documents to the DOT Regional Office to secure an endorsement form.
The applicant can then register online through https://reports.dole.gov.ph. Application will be evaluated by DOLE.
Deadline for submission of application is on December 10.