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LOVE BEGETS LOVE: SUPPORT FROM STAKEHOLDERS POURS IN FOR DOT CHIEF
Key private sector stakeholders from the tourism industry have aired their support for Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco amid the recent pronouncement from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., for a midterm cabinet reset.
The DOT chief submitted her courtesy resignation hours after the President made the announcement on Thursday (May 22) morning, saying that she had served at the pleasure of the President and “supported his administration’s call to put the people first.”
“Under the President’s leadership, the tourism sector has significantly contributed to the national economy and provided employment to millions of Filipinos,” a portion of Secretary Frasco’s courtesy resignation read.
Tourism industry stakeholders, who have been working closely with the DOT, aired messages of support for the tourism chief.
Travel and tourism associations
The executive board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) described Secretary Frasco as an exemplary leader who has pushed for the advancement and resiliency of Philippine tourism amid global challenges.
“Secretary Frasco’s dedication extends beyond promotion; her programs aimed at providing financial aid for students pursuing careers in tourism ensure a sustainable future for the industry. By investing in the next generation of tourism professionals, she is cultivating talent that will uphold and advance our industry’s standards. We express our profound gratitude for Secretary Frasco’s unwavering commitment and significant contributions, which continue to elevate the Philippine tourism sector to new heights,” PATA said in a statement.
The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) extended its gratitude to Secretary Frasco in a statement: “Her invaluable support and partnership with PHILTOA went beyond professional collaboration—it was a catalyst for transformation. Together, we have forged sustainable pathways that honor the soul of Filipino hospitality while safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come.”
Under Secretary Frasco’s leadership, the DOT had prioritized empowering the tourism workforce through programs such as the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), which trained over 303,637 individuals as of 21 May 2025.
FBSE trainers from all over the Philippines have extended their gratitude to Secretary Frasco: “Through her passion for transformation, inclusivity and sustainability, we have witnessed unprecedented support and impactful gains to our tourism training programs that have not only enhanced competencies but have improved the lives of our tourism stakeholders. Her dedication to work and attention to critical agenda that matters most to the needs our tourism stakeholders deserve our appreciation and support. We are honored to have worked with Secretary Frasco and we look forward to the continuation of her programs and initiatives that add value to the tourism industry and its people.”
The Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc. (TIBFI) for its part, also issued a statement that under the helm of Secretary Frasco, the organization has witnessed how the industry was revitalized through her unwavering dedication to the Philippine tourism industry “driven by innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.”
“There are still many positive developments and promising directions for the tourism sector, and we believe her leadership will remain vital in the continuing journey toward sustainable and inclusive growth. We, at TIBFI, look forward to the opportunity to work with Secretary Frasco in the days ahead, confident in the shared vision of a globally competitive and community-empowering Philippine tourism industry,” it said.
Ms. Florence Rivera, President of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), a national association of travel and tourism groups with chapters around the country, expressed as well a message for the Secretary, citing that while she understands that reshuffling in the government is necessary for accountability, she also believes that when “someone is clearly doing the work and delivering results, they should be allowed to continue, regardless of political noise.”
“I don’t share the same political leanings as Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, but over time, I’ve come to genuinely respect her as a leader. I’ve seen firsthand the kind of leader she is—dedicated, hands-on, and truly invested in her work. Her background as a lawyer and former mayor gives her a strong foundation, but it’s her presence and commitment that really stand out. Whether she’s speaking on an international stage or meeting with stakeholders on the ground, she represents the Philippines with intelligence, energy, and grace. She’s someone who makes people listen—and believe. She meets with people from all political backgrounds, she listens intently, and she acts swiftly—often faster than what we usually see in government. That kind of leadership is rare,” Rivera said in a social media post.
Former NAITAS President Racquel Sabucido echoed this sentiment in a personal post, where she recognized the tourism chief’s “exemplary leadership and tireless efforts in uplifting our country’s tourism industry.”
“Your dedication has brought meaningful progress, and your vision has inspired many of us in the private sector to work even harder in partnership with the Department of Tourism. Your presence and leadership are invaluable, and we believe there is still so much more you can do for the country. Please know that your integrity, professionalism, and accomplishments will always be held in high regard,” she said.
The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), through its President Michelle Taylan, its Board of Trustees, expressed their gratitude to Secretary Frasco: “Thank you for being our source of inspiration, motivating us to achieve excellence and fulfill our duties effectively. Your leadership inspires us to strive for the best, and we’re forever grateful for your guidance and vision.”
The Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) also joined other stakeholders in expressing strong support for Secretary Frasco: “We commend your tireless dedication, visionary direction, and steadfast commitment to promoting inclusive, sustainable, and innovative tourism across the country. Your leadership has reignited passion and pride in our local destinations, empowered tourism frontliners, and strengthened the role of local government units in nation-building through tourism.”
Numerous tourism organizations and offices have also voiced out their support to the tourism chief, including the Association of Tourism Officers and Coordinators of Region 4A; Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants Inc.; CALABARZON Alliance of Independent Tour Operators; and the Montalban Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, among others.
Under the leadership of Secretary Frasco, the Philippines achieved an all-time high tourism revenue of approximately P760 billion in 2024, making tourism a vital pillar of the country’s economy. Employment in the tourism industry also reached 16.4 million, a substantial figure comprising the country’s national employment last year.
Tourism sector stakeholders
Stakeholders from various tourism sectors, such as golf, dive, and gastronomy, also rallied behind Secretary Frasco. The DOT has strategically diversified the country’s tourism portfolio—championing niche markets such as dive, golf, Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, heritage, gastronomy, and film—marked by pioneering initiatives like the Philippine Dive Experience, the Philippine Golf Tourism Summit, launch of the Marhaba Cove in Boracay, hosting of the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific, and ushering in global milestones such as the arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines.
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 that 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, Sec. 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.
Clang Garcia, Philippine Ambassador to the World Food Travel Association, recognized the Secretary’s alignment with the association’s mission to champion culture and sustainability through food and tourism: “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 (TCP) 2025-2026.
This sentiment was echoed by veteran dive instructor Gary Cases, describing Secretary Frasco as the only Tourism Secretary who recognized the immense value of scuba diving as an industry: “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 destination, it was also under the leadership of Secretary Frasco when the local dive tourism industry contributed a staggering Php 73 billion to the country’s economy, or almost twice the P37 billion revenue generated from the industry in 2022.
Tour guides and supporters from all walks of life
Several individuals, including tour guides from different parts of the country, also expressed their admiration for Secretary Frasco.
“Her personal 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.
“As someone who has worked in the travel industry for over eight years with Venturista Travel, I have witnessed firsthand the positive changes and renewed energy that Secretary Frasco brought to Philippine tourism. Her vision of tourism as a unifying force for good—uplifting communities, celebrating our culture, and creating jobs—has deeply resonated with those of us on the ground. 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.
To note, Secretary Frasco has traveled to provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, distributing insurance to tourist guides from her personal funds as part of her advocacy to provide social protection to tourism frontliners.
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.
Others described the Secretary as a very dedicated government official and an asset of the Marcos administration, whose consistent hard work is evident through the initiatives she has led to make the DOT a very proactive government office.
Partner local government units
As a former local chief executive of Liloan town in Cebu, Secretary Frasco also led the DOT’s close collaboration with various local government units (LGUs). This, as she believes that tourism development must always emanate and involve those from the grassroots to make tourism development inclusive and sustainable.
“The Municipality of Badian proudly expresses its heartfelt support and gratitude to Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering grassroots communities through sustainable and inclusive tourism,” the Badian LGU said in a post.
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Published:May 24, 2025
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