DSWD-7 distributes cash subsidy to BAETAS members

Lito Alvarado, a river cruise guide, paddles his boat as he traverses the Bojo river in the town of Aloguinsan, Cebu. (Photo by DSWD-7)

CEBU CITY, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development  (DSWD) 7 through the Social Amelioration Program (SAP)  recently distributed cash subsidy to 24 eligible beneficiaries from the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) who belong to the low-income poor families severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The beneficiaries were able to receive the total amount of P12,000 during the onsite payout of a Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) from DSWD-7 for their first and second tranches.

BAETAS is a community-based ecotourism development based in Aloguinsan, Cebu and run by a group of fishermen and housewives who facilitate a river tour, which includes on-site ecological lectures on mangroves and birds, handy craft making, demonstrations and a serenaded lunch.

Over years of operation, BAETAS has provided an alternative livelihood for its members and has helped promote the town of Aloguinsan. 

But during the onset of COVID-19, the tour operation was disrupted on March 15 and this affected the livelihood of members.

One of the members of BAETAS is Lito Alvarado, a fisherman, and his boat paddling skills were put into good use when he was recruited as a river cruise guide.

“Kung wala mi sa among panagat, didto mi mo-duty sa BAETAS aron pag-entertain sa mga guests (If we are not in the sea to catch fish, we render duty in BAETAS to entertain our guests),” said Lito.

As a river cruise guide, he also has the opportunity to explain to the guests the different species of mangroves and trees with their scientific names that are present in the river.

The Alvarado family is also part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of DSWD.

Two out of their five children are monitored under the program in which the family are entitled to receive education grant, health grant, and rice subsidy.

Alvarado also said his family maintains a backyard garden that has been their additional source of food.

The BAETAS members are hoping that better days are coming.

They are excited to welcome their guests and share how their solidarity made a big difference in their community and for the environment. (hfg with report from DSWD-7)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)