Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday, February 3 denied allegations she is promoting herself in the country’s tourism campaigns and even in the covers of tourist magazines.

FRASCO

Frasco, speaking at the Senate Committee on Tourism’s hearing on the implementation of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) and allegations of expensive domestive flights, said her visibility as Secretary of Tourism has not been about personal exposure but about her being present where the work is.

“For the past three years, my visibility as Secretary of Tourism has not been about personal exposure, but about being present where the work is—on the ground, in communities, and alongside tourism stakeholders across the country,” Frasco said.

“Since assuming office, I have visited all regions of the Philippines,  and 56 out of the 82 of  provinces, not for optics, but to personally oversee recovery efforts, infrastructure development, workforce upskilling, and agrresive destination promotion at a time when Philippine tourism is rebuilding from unprecedented disruption,” she stressed.

“I chose to show up where help is needed, where policies are implemented, and where Filipinos depend on government action. This is not self-promotion; it is the essence of the job entrusted to me,” she explained.

Asked about the publication of a magazine cover and feature story involving her, Frasco reiterated that it did not have her consent and was not paid for by government funds.

Frasco further clarified that the photograph taken in Lake Sebu —was one of the many phototgraphs captured during the Philippine Experience Program, a flagship program of the DOT designed to promote destinations through immersive engagements with ambassadors, partners, and tourism stakeholders.

“The activity was undertaken precisely to spotlight South Cotabato, its communities, culture, and tourism potential, in support of inclusive and sustainable destination development,” she said.

“With respect to Philippine Topics magazine, the DOT reiterates  that it did not fund, commission, influence, or participate in the production of the publication. It is an independent editorial work, produced without DOT resources or intervention,” she further said.

Frasco said she did not pay for that magazine which was published in Japan and subsequently distributed for free. She said her consent was never obtained in the use of her image for the magazine.

She also said the very photographer who instigated the allegation has since reversed or “flip-flopped” on his own statements, raising serious questions about the credibility and consistency of the claims being advanced.

The DOT chief also maintained that the agency only has two social media sites, including the corporate site.

“It reports the activities of the agency as well as the head of its agency. As far as the programs and projects of the DOT is concerned, and inevitably as I have sought as best I can to be as present as possible in all the destinations in the country that had been visited by us in the past three years,” she said.

“Perhaps that is the reason why is my face prominently appears in the DOT website as that reports on our activities,” said Frasco.

“The DOT respects the role of the Senate as a forum for public accountability and values constructive dialogue grounded in verified facts and complete context,” she said.

“The DOT remains focused on its mandate. We will not allow distractions or misinformation to divert us from the work of rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening destinations, and advancing Philippine tourism for the benefit of millions of Filipinos who depend on it. We will continue to serve. We will continue to show up. And we will continue to do the work,” she also stressed.

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