Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco has confirmed and explained her official travel to London that coincided with Typhoon Tino's impact on Cebu on November 4, 2025.
Official Mission Amidst Natural Disaster
Secretary Frasco clarified that her presence in London was part of her duty as head of the Philippine delegation to the World Travel Market, a major global tourism event. The secretary emphasized that she was representing the country at the Ministerial Summit and leading the opening of the Philippine Stand during the evening events.
The timing of her travel overlapped with Typhoon Tino's landfall in Cebu on the morning of November 4, which raised questions among netizens about her absence during the natural disaster.
Immediate Return and Damage Assessment
Responding to the severe weather situation in Cebu, Frasco took immediate action by returning to the Philippines the very next day on November 5. Upon her arrival on November 6, she proceeded directly to Liloan town, which experienced significant flooding due to the typhoon.
In her statement posted on her official social media page, Frasco explained: "I arrived in London on the morning of November 4 as head of the Philippine Delegation at the World Travel Market. I represented the country at the Ministerial Summit and also led the opening of the Philippine Stand in the evening. Given the severe situation in Cebu, I took a flight the very next day, November 5, to return to the Philippines. When we arrived today, November 6, we proceeded directly to Liloan."
Broader Context of Official Travel
The controversy emerges during a week when netizens have criticized several mayors from the 5th district for their alleged absence in their respective municipalities during the typhoon's impact. According to reports, the officials had obtained Foreign Travel Authority from the Capitol with travel dates spanning from October 30 to November 11, while others had schedules from November 1-7 specifically for the United Kingdom and London.
Secretary Frasco's prompt return and immediate visit to the affected areas demonstrates her commitment to addressing the typhoon's consequences while balancing international obligations that benefit Philippine tourism.
