Marcos names trade diplomat Dita Angara-Mathay as new tourism chief

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed trade diplomat Dita Angara-Mathay as the new tourism secretary, replacing Christina Garcia-Frasco.

Malacañang said in a press statement on Friday, April 10, that Angara-Mathay is a “seasoned public servant” who will bring her “decades of experience in trade, investment, and international economic engagement” to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“Her appointment reflects the administration’s push to position tourism not only as a cultural showcase, but as a strong driver of jobs, businesses, and regional development,” Malacañang said.

At the time of her appointment, Angara-Mathay served as commercial counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo, Japan.

“Throughout her career, Angara-Mathay has led programs that link global partnerships to concrete outcomes on the ground, supporting enterprise development, strengthening industries, and expanding opportunities for Filipino businesses, especially MSMEs,” Malacañang said.

“With her appointment, the administration aims to further align tourism with economic growth attracting more investments, supporting local industries, and ensuring that the gains from tourism are felt across the regions,” it added.

Frasco, Marcos’ first tourism chief, was appointed as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities in March. Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso was designated as the DOT OIC since that time.

Frasco, a former mayor of Liloan town in Cebu, was given a new assignment in the Marcos government amid strong criticism of the DOT’s failure to hit its own targets, as well as the prominence of Frasco’s face — instead of Philippine tourism spots — in the department’s social media presence and promotions. (READ: Face card declined? Frasco’s image found in other government materials, too) – Rappler.com