Manila, Jan. 23 -- Tourism workers who will be affected by disasters will now be classified as a "priority sector" in the government's financial aid program, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Thursday.

The development came as the DOT formally sealed a partnership deal with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Jan. 23.

Under this partnership, the DOT would conduct alternative livelihood training to emergency or disaster-hit tourism front-liners while the DSWD would include them in its priority list for cash transfers, cash for work, and training for cash programs.

"The partnership between the DOT and the DSWD under this mechanism will be activated in the wake of calamities and disaster," Tourism Secretary C...