Dita Angara-Mathay Appointed Philippines Tourism Secretary, Succeeding Christina Frasco

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Dita Angara-Mathay as Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, marking a leadership change aimed at strengthening the sector’s role in economic development. The appointment positions Angara-Mathay at the forefront of aligning tourism strategy with investment growth and regional development priorities.

Appointment Signals Policy Shift Toward Economic Integration

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the appointment reflects the administration’s focus on positioning tourism not only as a cultural showcase but also as a key contributor to employment generation, business growth, and regional economic expansion.

Angara-Mathay replaces former Tourism Secretary Ma. Christina G. Frasco, who has been reassigned as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities. Prior to the appointment, Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso had been serving as officer-in-charge of the department since March.

Background in Trade and International Partnerships

Angara-Mathay brings experience in international trade and investment promotion to the role. She previously served as Commercial Counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo, where she was responsible for developing partnerships with Japanese industries, a major source of investment and tourism for the Philippines.

Her work involved advancing economic cooperation initiatives and strengthening bilateral engagement, with a focus on creating opportunities that support enterprise growth and cross-border collaboration.

Focus on Enterprise Development and MSMEs

In her prior roles, Angara-Mathay led programs designed to connect local businesses with global opportunities. These initiatives emphasized the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), enabling them to access new markets and scale operations.

Her experience in supporting MSMEs is expected to inform tourism strategies that extend economic benefits beyond major urban centers, aligning with the administration’s objective of inclusive growth.

Tourism Strategy to Align with Investment Goals

According to the PCO, the government intends to use tourism as a platform to attract investment, support local industries, and distribute economic gains across regions. Angara-Mathay’s appointment is part of a broader effort to integrate tourism policy with national economic priorities.

“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,” the PCO said in a statement.

Leadership Transition and Current Context

The leadership transition comes following the reassignment of Frasco, whose tenure included public scrutiny over certain promotional initiatives. The department has since been under interim leadership, with Buensuceso managing operations before the new appointment.

Angara-Mathay now assumes responsibility for steering the Department of Tourism at a time when the government is seeking to strengthen the sector’s contribution to national growth. Her mandate includes aligning tourism initiatives with broader economic objectives while enhancing the country’s appeal to international investors and travelers.

She has formally taken over the role, with the administration outlining a direction that integrates tourism development with long-term economic planning and regional inclusivity.