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Over 1,400 golf workers in Metro Manila get DOT-DOLE cash aid
MANILA—A total 1,415 golf caddies, golf workers, and employees in five major golf clubs in Metro Manila have received payouts close to Php 7.075 million under the government’s cash assistance program for workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was part of the continuing efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to distribute the second tranche of the Bayanihan 2 act, the government’s economic recovery program, wherein a total of Php 3.1 billion in direct cash assistance has been allocated to displaced workers and tour guides in the country’s tourism industry, including those in the informal sector.
On Thursday, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat led the virtual ceremonial awarding of the certificates of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Cash Assistance Program.
The tourism chief was joined by DOLE NCR OIC Assistant Regional Director Atty. Russel Jallorina in the virtual event. Also present were the golf club presidents, general managers, and some members of the National Golf Association of the Philippines.
“For the beneficiaries of the cash assistance program with us today, I hope that this amount can help you and your families in this difficult time. We humbly ask for your continued trust and support as we continue to seek out or develop additional solutions to help all tourism stakeholders and workers through this ongoing health crisis,” the tourism chief said.
A total of 509 caddies, tee boys and girls, golf instructors, vendors, and other employees from Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course received the cash aid certificates, while all other beneficiaries were from Veterans Golf Club (340 caddies); Alabang Country Club Inc. (293 caddies); Club Intramuros Golf Course (167 caddies); and Wack Wack Golf and Country Club (106 employees).
Josie Sta. Clara Arevallo from the Intramuros Caddies Association expressed her elation after being chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the cash aid. “Napakalaking tulong po ang naibigay nyo sa aming mga caddies, alam po namin na napakahirap pero lumalaban kami. Sa inyong mga tumulong sa amin, ay gusto naming ipahatid ang buong pusong pasasalamat.”
A golf caddie for more than 15 years, Jocelyn Calamaan turned emotional as she was acknowledged in the virtual ceremony. “On behalf of Wack Wack Golf and Country Club Employees, lubos po kami nagpapasalamat sa cash assistance na pinagkaloob nyo po sa amin. Maraming salamat po DOT at DOLE. Malaking tulong po ito,” she added.
Unlike other tourism destinations, golf courses have been operating in full swing in areas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) such as Metro Manila, provided that they are compliant with the prescribed health and safety protocols.
In the National Capital Region, 50,856 workers have gotten approval to receive financial assistance amounting to Php 254,280,000. As of May 18, 2021, 35,214 tourism workers working in different industries have received the DOT-DOLE cash aid amounting to Php176,070,000.
“Despite the odds, challenges, and hurdles before us, we must never give up hope. It will take effort and perseverance but with all of us doing our part, I believe that the country’s tourism sector can recover and prosper once again,” the tourism chief said.
Published:May 27, 2021
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