President Marcos Appoints Dita Angara-Mathay as New Tourism Secretary
In a significant move to strengthen the tourism sector, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially appointed trade diplomat Dita Angara-Mathay as the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism. The announcement was made by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday, highlighting her extensive background in international trade and economic engagement.
A Seasoned Public Servant with Decades of Experience
The PCO described Angara-Mathay as a seasoned public servant with decades of experience in trade, investment, and international economic engagement. Her appointment is seen as a strategic step to position tourism not only as a cultural showcase but as a powerful driver of jobs, businesses, and regional development across the Philippines.
With this new role, the administration aims to further align tourism with broader economic growth goals. The focus will be on attracting more investments, supporting local industries, and ensuring that the benefits from tourism are distributed widely across all regions of the country.
Replacing Former Tourism Chief Christina Frasco
Angara-Mathay takes over from former Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who has been reassigned to serve as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities. This transition marks a shift in leadership aimed at leveraging Angara-Mathay's expertise in international partnerships to enhance the tourism industry's economic impact.
Background in Trade and Investment
Prior to her appointment, Angara-Mathay served as Commercial Counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo. In this capacity, she led strategic partnerships with Japanese industries, which are key sources of investment, technology, and tourism for the Philippines. Her work involved fostering collaborations that have directly supported enterprise development and strengthened various industries.
Throughout her career, Angara-Mathay has been instrumental in linking global partnerships to tangible outcomes on the ground. Her efforts have focused on expanding opportunities for Filipino businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises, by connecting them with international markets and resources.
The appointment underscores the administration's commitment to using tourism as a catalyst for sustainable economic development, with Angara-Mathay's proven track record expected to play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
