DOLE, DOT expand coverage of cash aid for tourism workers

The joint advisory added that workers of affected establishments that implemented flexible work arrangements (FWA) or alternative work scheme (AWS) are also included in the cash assistance. (File Photo by Elmer nev valenzuela/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have expanded the coverage of the beneficiaries in the tourism sector displaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a joint advisory issued on Monday relative to the implementation of DOLE-DOT Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2020-001, the government agencies said the beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under the Bayanihan to Heal as One (Bayanihan 1) may also apply for the financial assistance under the Bayanihan to Recover as One (Bayanihan 2).

“Inclusion of beneficiaries of the DSWD Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under Bayanihan 1. Pursuant to Section 4 (0 (2) of the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2), beneficiaries of SAP and CAMP under Bayanihan 1 are not precluded from receiving unemployment or involuntary separation assistance under Bayanihan 2. Thus, said beneficiaries may apply for the DOLE-DOT JMC No. 2020-001 financial assistance,” it said.

The joint advisory added that workers of affected establishments that implemented flexible work arrangements (FWA) or alternative work scheme (AWS) are also included in the cash assistance.

“Any documentary proof of the implementation of FWAS or AWS, such as company notices or announcements, time records, or pay slips, shall suffice,” the DOLE-DOT added.

Also, the local government unit-Licensed Secondary Tourism Enterprises that have implemented retrenchment, temporary closure, or FWAS/AWS are qualified to apply for cash aid.

“Inclusion of LGU-Licensed Secondary Tourism Enterprises. In addition to the tourism enterprises under Section 3(a) of DOLE-DOT JMC No. 2020-001, LGU-Licensed Secondary Tourism Enterprises as defined under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9593′ that have implemented permanent closure or as a mitigating measure, have implemented retrenchment, temporary closure, or FWAS/AWS may likewise apply for their employees’ financial assistance,” it said.

On the other hand, the DOLE and DOT said the relevant training required under Section 10 of the DOLE-DOT JMC No. 2020-001 shall be undertaken by the qualified tour guide after the grant of financial assistance; hence it will no longer be a condition precedent to receiving the grant.

“The DOT shall issue a training voucher to endorsed tour guides association or group for the conduct of a relevant training for its qualified members no later than 30 June 2021. Training expenses shall be charged against DOTS GAA fund,” it said.

The program has an allocation of PHP3.1 billion.