Frasco out as tourism chief

MANILA, Philippines — Weeks after rumors circulated that President Marcos was looking for a new tourism chief, Malacañang announced yesterday that Secretary Christina Frasco has been named presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities.

Frasco, who stirred controversy over the use of her photos on the covers of tourism promotion materials, will be replaced by Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso as officer-in-charge.

“As many areas across the country face increasing climate-related hazards and disruptions that affect local economies and livelihoods, the President has tasked Secretary Frasco to take on this role to help strengthen the implementation and sustained follow-through of priority national initiatives at the community level,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a statement.

“Secretary Frasco will transition from her role as secretary of tourism, where she led efforts to support tourism enterprises and livelihoods and to deepen partnerships with local governments nationwide,” Castro added.

She said Marcos thanked the former tourism chief for her service in the department. The President also expressed confidence that Frasco, who has worked closely with local governments and communities, would continue to support the administration’s priorities.

There had been speculations since January that Frasco, who was appointed in 2022, was on her way out of the tourism department supposedly because of weak visitor arrivals.

The former tourism secretary also drew flak for allowing the publication of tourism promotional materials prominently showing her face. Critics, including lawmakers, accused her of self-promotion. She would eventually order the removal of her images from tourism-related materials.

Earlier yesterday, Malacañang declined to confirm the leadership change in the tourism department as well as reports that Special Trade Representative to Tokyo Dita Angara-Mathay would take over Frasco’s position.

“As of this date, there is no shakeup. Tomorrow, if papers are relayed to us, I may give an announcement,” Castro said at a press briefing early yesterday.

Frasco, daughter of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, served as mayor of Liloan, Cebu and spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte. — Alexis Romero, Andrew Ronquillo