Frasco OUT sa DOT — Pero Hindi Totally Fired, May Bagong Role Pa

After months of speculation, Malacañang finally confirmed na wala na si Christina Garcia-Frasco bilang Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT). The announcement came Thursday, ending a tenure that started way back in June 2022 under the Marcos administration.

But hold on — it's not a total firing. Frasco has been reassigned as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities. According to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, the president wants Frasco to focus on helping communities deal with climate-related hazards and strengthening national initiatives at the local level.

While Marcos figures out who the next Tourism secretary will be, Undersecretary Verna Burnsuceso will serve as officer in charge of the DOT. There's already online buzz that career diplomat Dita Angara-Mathay, currently the Philippines' commercial counselor in Tokyo, could be the frontrunner for the job.

The move comes after mounting criticism against Frasco's leadership, particularly her perceived love for self-promotion. Netizens had been bashing the DOT for running campaigns that featured Frasco's face more than the actual tourist destinations. Add to that the country's tourist arrival numbers lagging behind Southeast Asian neighbors, and the writing was on the wall.

Castro said the president expressed appreciation for Frasco's service and confidence that her experience working with local governments will still be useful. Diplomatic words, but the message is clear — it's time for a tourism reset.

Source: The Manila Times