Bohol Confederation of Tourist Transport Services Providers chairperson Elvieh Sarmiento is expressing optimism for and behalf of the province’s tourist transport operators.
Sarmiento disclosed in a radio interview that the heavily affected tourist transport operators have been given priority both at national and provincial levels.
She confirmed that the group members were in a virtual meeting organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Marisol Balistoy, with Small Business Corporation Cebu president Francisco Buenavides and Cong. Edgar Chatto on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The meeting was set to discuss financial aid to the COVID-affected tourism transport sector under Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Law otherwise known as the Bayanihan 2.
Chatto reported that Bayanihan 2, which takes effect in October, allows a 60-day grace period on loan payments. In this regard, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas bared that it has already issued a directive to the banks and financial institutions regarding the matter.
Last week, Chatto confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTFRB through Atty. Martin Delgra have already granted special permits to tourism transport operators, for the latter to continue with the transportation business – a development that Sarmiento also validated.
Sarmiento said that her group has yet to confer with LTFRB regional office for the approval of application and travel routes. Sarmiento assured that a fare price of their vans’ trips will be reasonable and social distancing protocols for vehicles will be observed.
“Vans will have barriers and can accommodate up to 9 passengers only,” she stated.
Meanwhile, under Bayanihan 2, tourist transport operators can avail themselves of loans up to P100Million with payments commencing three years after availing of such, Sarmiento also said.
DTI Sec. Mon Lopez assured Chatto in a text message that processes and requirements for the financial package for tourism-related business have been simplified, and this information has already been relayed to SB Corp.
The tourism transport sector had initially sought help after failing to avail themselves of the assistance programs under Bayanihan 1 due to stringent requirements.
Sarmiento thanked Bohol leaders like Gov. Art Yap and Cong. Ed Chatto, for their efforts to lobby the concerns of the tourism and transport sector from the province.
The Provincial Government under the leadership of Gov. Art Yap is set to begin distribution of 10 kilo rice packs to DOT accredited tourist transport operators and drivers.