Frasco out as tourism chief, gets adviser role
Christina Garcia Frasco is out as secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT), ending a stint that began in June 2022 and recently marked by criticism accusing her of engaging in self-promotion using the DOT’s marketing materials.
Malacañang has given Frasco a new role as presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities, and appointed an undersecretary as the DOT officer in charge (OIC).
Palace press officer Claire Castro confirmed the new appointments on Thursday, but clarified that Frasco did not resign but was just given a new position.
The DOT will be temporarily headed by Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso as OIC.
“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,” Castro said in a message to reporters.
“The President expressed his appreciation for her service at the Department of Tourism and conveyed confidence that her experience working closely with local governments and communities will continue to support the Administration’s priorities,” she said
Controversies
Frasco was a one-term mayor of Liloan, Cebu, before she assumed the DOT position in 2022.
She comes from a political dynasty in Cebu as the daughter of the province’s former Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who backed Mr. Marcos’ presidential bid together with her One Cebu party, as well as the granddaughter of former Gov and Rep. Pablo Garcia.
She is married to Cebu Rep. Vincent “Duke” Frasco.
Her tenure with the DOT was marked by controversies, including the “Love the Philippines” video that was discovered to have used nonoriginal stock footage from other countries.
She has also been accused of self-promotion after being featured heavily in tourism-related materials.
The Philippines has been considered a laggard among Asean countries in postpandemic tourism growth, but Frasco attributed this to the “big disparity” in promotion budget.
Buensuceso, the new OIC, has been with the department since 2013. She previously served as assistant secretary, tourism attaché and director for East Japan, and as head of the marketing development group.
******
Get real-time news updates: inqnews.net/inqviber
