A travel agent’s association in Mandaluyong has began extending food assistance to members affected by the reimposed enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, and other provinces.

The government reimplemented ECQ for two weeks in August in an effort to contain the spread of the Delta variant believed to be behind the ongoing infection surge in the country. This is the third time the capital region has been placed under the strictest lockdown status since the start of the pandemic.

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association allocated over 250 sacks of rice to the regular members, which were distributed in three drop-off points in NCR and Rizal. Provincial members were provided with the cash equivalent of their rice sack allocation. “A sack of rice may not be enough to ease the burdens especially in these trying times but we hope this little act of kindness will bring a smile to everyone,” PTAA President Michelle Taylan said.

The group plans to continue the relief activity in the coming months with most travel and tourism businesses put on hold due to the pandemic. PTAA has been actively pushing for the safe return of tourism activities in low-risk areas, noting the industry’s contribution to economic activity. “These ayuda and other forms of help are merely a short-term solution. At the end of the day, tourism workers will still be calling for a way to have their jobs back, their businesses back,” Taylan said.

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