Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has been recognized as one of the highest-rated Cabinet members of the Marcos administration for 2024, earning a remarkable 92-percent job performance rating in the “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide survey conducted by the RP-Mission and Development (RPMD) Foundation Inc.

In the “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide survey conducted by the RP-Mission and Development (RPMD) Foundation Inc.

Frasco’s high rating places her among the top three performing Cabinet members, tied for second place with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who received a 91-percent rating, and just behind Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who topped the list with a 94-percent rating.

Reflecting on the recognition, Frasco emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the DoT’s accomplishments and the importance of inclusive, transformative governance in the tourism sector.

“This recognition is not mine alone — it belongs to every hardworking individual in the Department of Tourism and our partners in the public and private sectors who have devoted themselves to the mission of rebuilding and transforming our industry under the vision of our President in the past three years,” Frasco said.

“I express my gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. whose leadership empowers us to pursue bold and inclusive programs that uplift the lives of millions of Filipinos. This inspires us to work even harder to fulfill our shared aspiration of a globally competitive yet distinctly Filipino brand of tourism,” she said.

Tourism renaissance

under Marcos administration

In 2024, under Frasco’s leadership, the tourism sector emerged as a formidable economic force, generating a record high P760 billion in revenue — equivalent to approximately US$13 billion.

This represents an impressive 9.04-percent increase from the previous year and a remarkable 126-percent recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

According to the Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority and the National Economic and Development Authority, tourism directly or indirectly employs 16.4 million Filipinos, underscoring its critical role in national development.

Frasco’s tenure has been defined by an inclusive and transformative brand of leadership.

From the outset of her tenure, she adopted a grassroots, whole-of-government approach to tourism development, engaging directly with tourism stakeholders across the country and overseas and translating their insights into actionable strategies under the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028.

Frasco has reinvigorated domestic tourism, championed the promotion of Filipino heritage and culture through initiatives such as the Philippine Experience Program: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans, and launched aggressive international promotions under the banner of the Love the Philippines enhanced tourism campaign.