Hope for CAR Tourism Workers: Over P1M granted to typhoon-affected Cordillera tourism workers by DSWD’s relief aid

Baguio City, Philippines — The onslaught of Typhoon Uwan in the Cordillera in November 2025 not only destroyed roads, triggered landslides, and flooded communities, but also led to the temporary suspension of outdoor tourism activities across the region.

When operations at various tourism sites were halted due to the typhoon, many workers were displaced and left without a source of income.

In response to the crisis, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with its partner agencies, recently provided emergency financial assistance to affected tourism workers in the region.

As of February 2, 2026, a total of 123 tourism workers across the Cordillera have already been assisted, receiving more than P1,000,000 in cash aid.

The beneficiaries, whose livelihoods depend largely on the tourism industry, were identified and endorsed by the Department of Tourism–Cordillera to the DSWD Regional Office (DSWD-CAR).

According to the agency’s report, 44 recipients are based in Baguio City, 58 are from Kabayan, Benguet, and 21 are from Anonat Sustainable Village in Paracelis, Mountain Province.

Each beneficiary received P10,327 through the DSWD-CAR’s Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, which is designed to help displaced workers meet basic needs such as food, transportation, and other daily expenses.

In a social media post, the DSWD reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and tourism stakeholders in the region to monitor recovery needs and provide further assistance to those affected.

“Para mapanatili ang sigla at tuluy-tuloy na pagbangon ng industriya ng turismo sa Cordillera, binibigyang-prayoridad ng DSWD, katuwang ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, ang kapakanan ng mga manggagawang labis na naapektuhan ng mga nagdaang kalamidad,” the agency wrote.