ILOILO — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released more than P2.7 million in emergency cash aid to tourism workers in four Iloilo towns displaced by Tropical Cyclone “Tino”.
A total of 270 tourism-dependent workers from Tigbauan, Tubungan, Oton, and Igbaras each received P10,325 under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, providing immediate relief as the local tourism sector reels from weather-related losses.
The payout, facilitated by personnel from the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), targeted workers whose livelihoods were disrupted in municipalities known for their cultural heritage and tourism-driven economy.
“This assistance is designed to alleviate immediate financial burdens, enabling recipients to cover essential expenses such as food, shelter, and medical needs as they work towards recovery,” the agency said.
Digital safeguards implemented
Beyond the distribution of funds, DSWD Region 6 also activated the BBM Serbisyo (Basta Beripikado Mabilis ang Serbisyo) online registration system during the payout.
The digital platform utilizes the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys ID) to verify beneficiaries’ identities, aiming to prevent duplication and fraud in aid distribution.
The distribution was handled by the team dubbed the “Angels in Red Vests,” ensuring orderly and transparent processing in accordance with Memorandum Circular 24, Series of 2025, which outlines the amended guidelines for Emergency Cash Transfers.
The initiative aligns with the directives of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to sustain support for families affected by disasters until full recovery is achieved.
Tourism sector among hardest hit
Tourism workers were among the most vulnerable sectors affected by the cyclone, as severe weather disruptions stalled local travel activities and reduced income opportunities across coastal and heritage towns.
With the possibility of further weather disturbances, DSWD-6 said it remains ready to scale up assistance to ensure continued support to affected communities./PN
