MANILA, Philippines – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco vows to “double down” on efforts to boost Philippine tourism after Malacañang announced that she is among the Cabinet officials retained by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday.
In a statement, Frasco expressed her appreciation to the President for the trust and confidence he has once again placed on her to continue serving as the Secretary of Tourism.
“It is a privilege to work under his visionary leadership and to contribute to the administration’s goals of revitalizing the tourism industry, creating jobs, and promoting the Philippines as a top-of-mind destination,” Secretary Frasco said.
“With this renewed commitment, I will continue to push for innovative programs to build gains for the industry and gainful livelihood for the Filipino people who rely on tourism. Our goal in the DOT is to leave no destination behind, thus to always uplift communities through tourism while engendering pride of place and honouring our national identity,” Frasco added.
Frasco submitted her courtesy resignation on May 22, 2025, in response to the President’s directive to “recalibrate” his Cabinet.
After the submission of her courtesy resignation, she received support from various tourism-related organizations and tourism stakeholders from different sectors, as well as from local government units and tourism workers all over the country, the Tourism department said.
The Tourism chief also received support from the DOT Employees Association (DOTEA), saying Frasco’s dedication to excellence and support for tourism personnel, is crucial in fostering an environment of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, all of which are crucial in ensuring the sustained success of the tourism sector, DOTEA President Carolyn Gabriel wrote in her letter addressed to President Marcos.
The DOT further mentioned that during Secretary Frasco’s term, the DOT Sportsfest made a much-anticipated comeback in 2023 after a five-year hiatus, encouraging employee camaraderie through inter-department competitions in various sports.
Her leadership also brought about several employee-centered initiatives, including the launch of free shuttle rides to Cavite for DOT personnel, the establishment of a Daycare and Child-Minding Center, and the provision of free accident insurance for job-order staff, including janitors and security personnel, personally funded by Secretary Frasco herself, the DOT stated.
