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DOT Region VI Strengthens Disaster Response for Tourism Workers
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI, in close collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), extended immediate relief assistance to tourism workers affected by the recent weather disturbances brought about by the southwest monsoon and Typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong.
On July 25, 2025, relief operations were conducted in the municipalities of Tigbauan, Iloilo, and Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, followed by Igbaras, Iloilo, on July 26, 2025. A total of 155 family food packs were distributed to displaced tourism workers across the three areasโ40 in Tigbauan, 31 in Nueva Valencia, and 84 in Igbaras.
Beneficiaries included resort personnel, boatmen, floating cottage and restaurant staff, and community guides whose livelihoods were disrupted due to the suspension of tourism operations caused by flooding, storm surges, and the cancellation of hiking and ecotourism activities.
โWe received reports of cancellations in several parts of the region. As instructed by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, DOT Region VI immediately coordinated with the concerned LGUs and the DSWD to ensure that our affected tourism workers received the family packs as soon as possible,โ said DOT Region VI Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez.
In Negros Occidental, 21 additional family food packs were distributed to affected tourism workers in Talisay City and the Municipality of Binalbagan, where DOT-accredited sites experienced damage and operational disruptions.
Currently, an estimated 1,554 more tourism workers from various parts of the region are set to receive assistance, pending validation and coordination with the respective local government units.
โDOT remains committed to supporting our tourism workforce, especially in times of adversity. We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that no one is left behind,โ Director Rodriguez affirmed.
