MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday confirmed that Christina Garcia-Frasco has resigned as secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
She, however, will continue to serve in government as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities.
“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,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a statement.
Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso will temporarily oversee affairs at the DOT as officer-in-charge.
There were some reports that trade diplomat Dita Angara-Mathay would likely be the next tourism chief. She is currently the commercial counselor and special trade representative of the Philippines in Tokyo, Japan.
“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 said.
“The President expressed his appreciation for her service at the Department of Tourism and conveyed his confidence that her experience working closely with local governments and communities will continue to support the Administration's priorities,” she added.
