President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly reaffirmed his trust in former Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco amidst ongoing changes in the leadership of the Department of Tourism (DOT). In a statement posted on her official Instagram account, Frasco expressed gratitude following her appointment as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, marking a shift from her previous service as Tourism Secretary.
Leadership Transition and Interim Arrangements
During a press conference in Cebu on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro disclosed that discussions are underway regarding Frasco's replacement, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. In the interim, Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso will serve as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the DOT until a permanent successor is named.
New Responsibilities and Presidential Confidence
Castro emphasized that President Marcos holds significant confidence in Frasco's ability to excel in her new role. Her primary responsibilities will include:
- Strengthening coordination among local government units (LGUs), national agencies, and relevant organizations.
- Implementing administration initiatives focused on disaster-risk reduction, climate adaptation, environmental care, and sustainable community development.
- Monitoring project progress, identifying gaps, and providing recommendations for interventions.
Frasco's Reflections and Future Outlook
Frasco, who served as Tourism Secretary since 2022, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the tourism sector. She described her tenure at the DOT as a privilege, highlighting efforts to bolster the tourism economy and support millions of jobs for Filipinos. Additionally, she extended thanks to tourism workers and stakeholders, expressing excitement about her new role in enhancing community resilience across the Philippines.
This leadership change underscores the administration's ongoing commitment to sustainable development and effective governance, with Frasco's expertise now directed toward broader national resilience efforts.
