Former Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco is leaving the Department of Tourism but remains firmly in the President’s confidence.
Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Bagong Pilipinas Studios in Mandaue City that Malacañang has not yet named a replacement for Frasco at the DOT.
Discussions on the appointment have not started, and the public was asked to wait for updates in the coming weeks.
Frasco was appointed Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reaffirming the administration’s trust in her leadership.
In her new role, Frasco will integrate and align national government initiatives, plans, policies, and programs to promote sustainable and resilient communities.
Her responsibilities will include disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable local development.
She will coordinate with national government agencies, local government units, and stakeholders to implement presidential directives and priority national initiatives.
She will also monitor progress and identify gaps, bottlenecks, or coordination issues that may affect efforts to strengthen community sustainability and resilience.
Castro said the President believes Frasco can effectively work with local governments to reduce the impact of disasters and other emergencies on communities.
Frasco released a statement days after her appointment, expressing gratitude to the President and reflecting on her tenure as DOT Secretary, which began in 2022.
During her leadership, the department focused on improving national tourism, supporting enterprises, sustaining jobs, and promoting Filipino culture and innovation.
In her statement, Frasco said, “It was a privilege to serve as Secretary of Tourism, and I look forward to supporting the Administration’s efforts to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of communities across the Philippines.”
