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A new Secretary of the Department of Tourism has taken office in the Philippines, Dita Angara-Mathay, following the announcement by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The former secretary, Christina Frasco, has been appointed as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, under the administration’s continued emphasis on the role of tourism in its economic policies.
New Appointment At Tourism
In a Friday statement, Marcos said Angara-Mathay brings decades of experience in trade, investment, and international economic engagement to the country’s top tourism role. He described her as a seasoned public servant whose background fits the administration’s wider plans for the sector.
Angara-Mathay previously served as Commercial Counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo. In that position, she spearheaded collaborations with industries from Japan, a nation highlighted by Marcos as one of the Philippines’ major investors in terms of technology and tourism.
Tourism And Economic Goals
In his statement, President Marcos indicated that the appointment is geared towards emphasizing the importance of positioning tourism both as a means of cultural presentation and as an active source of job creation and business promotion in the country. According to him, the idea is for tourism to realize its full potential by becoming one of the most significant means for economic development.
Moreover, President Marcos noted that the positive impacts of tourism should be felt across all parts of the country. The appointment places the tourism department within a broader policy effort that links visitor activity with economic performance and local development.
Broader Policy Direction
Angara-Mathay’s background in trade and international engagement suggests the tourism department may continue to emphasize partnerships as part of its strategy. Her previous work in Tokyo gives her direct experience with one of the Philippines’ key international markets, which could remain relevant as the government seeks to strengthen tourism-related investment ties.
The move also comes at a time when the administration appears focused on making tourism work alongside business and investment policy rather than as a stand-alone sector. Marcos’ remarks point to a role for the department that goes beyond promotion, with the emphasis placed on economic alignment and regional spread.
Transition In The Department
Frasco’s move to the role of Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities closes one chapter at the tourism department while opening another under Angara-Mathay’s leadership. The move is aimed at bringing a fresh face in the midst of the effort by the government to strengthen the role of the industry in job creation and business generation, as well as economic development.
With a background in trade, investments, and economics, the new Tourism secretary, Angara-Mathay, assumes office in the midst of efforts by the government to leverage the tourism industry as one of the key elements for the overall economic development plan.
Source: Inside Asian Gaming
