Cebu City Hall Employees Engage in Nationwide Earthquake Drill as Tourism Leadership Undergoes Transition
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, staff at Cebu City Hall actively participated in the National Earthquake Drill, conducting comprehensive simulations and receiving hands-on training in the use of fire extinguishers. This emergency preparedness exercise aimed to enhance workplace safety and response capabilities during seismic events, reflecting a broader national focus on disaster resilience.
Presidential Appointment Reshapes Tourism Department Leadership
Simultaneously, Malacañang officially announced that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed Christina Frasco as the new Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities. This strategic move reassigns Frasco from her role as Tourism Secretary, a position she has held since 2022, to a broader advisory capacity focused on community sustainability and disaster preparedness.
As a result of this appointment, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will be temporarily overseen by Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who will serve as Officer-in-Charge. This interim leadership arrangement ensures continuity in tourism operations while the administration evaluates long-term staffing decisions.
Palace Maintains Caution Amid Speculation and Controversies
Earlier on Thursday, Malacañang remained tight-lipped, refusing to confirm rumors about potential leadership changes at the DOT. During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro emphasized that the public should await an official announcement from the President regarding any appointments or organizational shifts.
Castro declined to comment on reports suggesting that trade diplomat Dita Angara-Mathay, currently serving as commercial counselor in Tokyo, might succeed Frasco. She reiterated that the Palace cannot preempt any decisions or formal documents from the Office of the President, maintaining a stance of transparency and procedural integrity.
Background on Frasco's Tenure and Tourism Challenges
Under Frasco's leadership since 2022, the DOT has faced intense scrutiny due to controversies surrounding tourism promotion strategies. These challenges have occurred alongside government efforts to significantly boost tourist arrivals in the Philippines, highlighting the complex balance between marketing initiatives and sustainable development.
The timing of the earthquake drill and leadership transition underscores the administration's dual focus on immediate disaster preparedness and long-term resilient community planning. As Cebu City Hall employees practice emergency responses, the reshuffling of key advisory roles signals a reinforced commitment to integrating sustainability into national policy frameworks.
