PARAnAQUE CITY, Sept. 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday said around three billion pesos has been allocated to fund the "cash-for-work" program of the government to help displaced workers in the tourism industry.

During the Laging Handa public briefing hosted by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. discussed some of the salient points of the tourism response and recovery plan that was activated to revive the tourism industry from the slump brought by the pandemic.

According to Bengzon, the DOT is in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment for the formulation of the "cash-for-work" program guidelines.

"It will all be under itong 'cash-for-work' program na ang pinakapakay is matulungan yung mga nawalan ng trabaho sa tourism industry so tinitignan din natin dito, employment period of about three months para dito sa mga workers concerned," he said.

Under the "Bayanihan to Recover as One Act" or "Bayanihan 2," the government has allotted P10.1-billion to aid the recovery of the tourism industry.

"Doon sa P10-billion na yun ang pinakamalaking portion, six billion will be for working capital loans, this will be administered through the Small Business Corporation of the Department of Trade ang Industry," said Bengzon.

"Meron po tayong one-billion [pesos] for tourism infrastructure, meron tayong 100-million [pesos] para po doon sa tour guides," he added.

"Aside for the three-billion [pesos], 100-million [pesos] has been budgeted for the training and subsidies of DOT-accredited community guides." he furthered. (PIA-NCR)