TOURISM WORKERS in Lapu-Lapu City, home of the Mactan Cebu International Airport and brands itself as the “Historic Resort City,” are feeling the impact of the drop in visitors due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Among those affected are at least 221 boatmen from Barangay Punta Engaño, tourist car drivers, aqua-sports facilities workers, and babysitters, according City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office chief Nagiel Bañacia. “Most of those affected are boatmen who usually cater to tourists who want to go island hopping. Because no tourists are arriving, they lost their jobs,” Mr. Cuizon said.“There are parents who leave their children with babysitters when they go diving, for example,” he added. Cebu attracted 1.4 million foreign tourists in 2019, with South Korea as the biggest market. Mayor Junard Q. Chan has directed the city’s social welfare department to distribute food relief packs and initiate food-for-work programs to assist those whose livelihood have taken a hit from the COVID-19 threat. Annabeth Cuizon, head of the social welfare department, said they will also conduct a profiling survey to determine the total number of affected residents and identify those who can be enrolled in the livelihood assistance programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. “We know that this is not enough and we know that this is only the beginning. There will be a lot of workers who may be displaced later if this virus will continue to spread… the city government will provide alternative opportunities for these workers to earn income by giving them trainings and other livelihood activities,” Ms. Cuizon said in a post on her social media page. — The Freeman

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR