THE Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) has expressed its profound gratitude to key government agencies that helped in the release of funds to hotels which were used as quarantine facilities by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), allowing the hotel industry to continue its operations.

“We wish to convey our heartfelt thanks to Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac for facilitating the release of P1.7 billion to settle the Accounts Receivables (ARs) of hotels that served as quarantine facilities for returning OFWs,” said PHOA President Arthur M. Lopez.

“The release of funds provides a welcome relief to us in the hotel industry. This has allowed the hotels to pay for basic expenses and to continue operating. Rest assured that PHOA member hotels will continue to partner with DOLE and OWWA in ensuring that the needs of our OFWs and other guests are satisfactorily met,” Lopez added.

When the pandemic started in early 2020, PHOA hotels in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, Cebu, Davao and Clark immediately opened their facilities and services to thousands of OFWs to provide safe and comfortable accommodations to them.

PHOA is a non-stock and non-profit association composed of around 300 member hotels all over the country. By CRISTINA LEE-PISCO

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cristina Lee-Pisco