Manila, Feb. 19 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has disbursed PHP12.97 million in emergency cash assistance to 1,264 tourism workers whose livelihoods were disrupted by Super Typhoon Uwan in 2025, officials said Thursday.

DSWD-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio said each worker received PHP10,262 to help offset losses from temporary establishment closures and halted tourism activities following the disaster.

"We know that one of the first sectors affected when a disaster strikes is the tourism sector. Through the Emergency Cash Transfer, we aim to alleviate at least the burden suffered by our tourism workers and help them recover as their communities gradually regain their vitality," Laurio said in...