Groups back Frasco's DoT reinstatement

Various stakeholders have backed the reinstatement of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as Malacañang Palace has already announced the first tranche of the cabinet shakeup.

Stakeholders have credited Frasco’s stay as Tourism Secretary for achieving an all-time high tourism revenue of approximately P760 billion in 2024, making tourism a vital pillar of the country’s economy.

Moreover, employment in the tourism industry also reached 16.4 million, a substantial figure comprising the country’s national employment last year.

In his statement of support, veteran golf journalist and advocate Mike Besa commended Secretary Frasco’s unprecedented focus on developing golf tourism under her term.

“She has done more for golf tourism in her tenure than any administration before her. I only mention this here because I’m concerned that she might be replaced in the current cabinet shuffle. This would potentially wipe out whatever gains have been made so far. For golf tourism’s sake, Secretary Frasco should be allowed to continue the work she started in our industry. This is a huge source of potential income for the country, if we can get our act together,” he said.

Transformative potential

Clang Garcia, Philippine Ambassador to the World Food Travel Association, expressed: “The World Food Travel Association’s core mission is to preserve and promote culinary heritage and culture through tourism. It believes in its transformative potential of uniting food and travel in a way that benefits travelers and destinations as it drives sustainable growth, and fosters innovation, excellence, and cultural development. Secretary Frasco embodies all that; she can do more by completing her term.”

“Her support for dive stakeholders and her vision for sustainable growth have significantly contributed to the sector’s success, creating jobs and promoting marine conservation. We commend her dedication to putting the interests of the people and our environment at the forefront. As we await the President’s decision on her successor, we reaffirm our support for Secretary Frasco’s service and her efforts to elevate Philippine tourism and marine tourism in particular,” scuba diving instructor Jaime Sarte III said, also a trustee of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines 2025-2026.

The sentiment was echoed by veteran dive instructor Gary Cases, saying: “Her leadership and support have helped elevate our sector, acknowledging its significant contribution to the economy and the lives of countless Filipinos. Her efforts have laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and global recognition of our diving destinations. We appreciate her dedication and look forward to continued progress in the sector, guided by the vision she has championed.”

Apart from reaping numerous awards that have cemented the Philippines as among the world’s leading dive destinations, it was also under the leadership of Secretary Frasco that the local dive tourism industry contributed a staggering P73 billion to the country’s economy, or almost twice the P37 billion revenue generated from the industry in 2022.

Backers from all walks of life

Several individuals, including tour guides from different parts of the country, also expressed their admiration for Secretary Frasco.

“Her visit to Cebu and the direct engagement with our tour guiding community are deeply meaningful gestures that remind us we are seen, valued, and cared for. The distribution of tour guide kits and the provision of insurance are not only generous acts of support but also strong affirmations of her commitment to uplift the tourism frontliners of our country. These efforts inspire and empower us to continue our work with pride and renewed dedication,” Cebu Association of Tour Guides Inc. said in a post.

“Her leadership has inspired pride and purpose in our work, and I am grateful for her commitment to putting people first. Regardless of where she may be called to serve next, I am confident she will continue to be a true public servant, always grounded in service to the Filipino people,” said Venturista Travel CEO Danielle Vicaldo.

Angel Anji, a DoT-accredited tour guide based in Central Luzon, relayed her gratitude online as well. To recall, apart from the tour guiding essentials distributed by the DOT for free, Secretary Frasco herself initiated, through a personal donation, to give accident insurance benefits to accredited tour guides across the country.

“Praying for your journey, Madam. The Central Luzon guides had the pleasure of meeting you and receiving an insurance card in June last year. We thank you and wish you the best! God bless you po, Sec. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco,” Anji said.