Marcos swears in Frasco as presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities
President Marcos has administered the oath of office of Christina Frasco as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, formalizing her transition from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Marcos administered Frasco’s oath of office in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, March 18.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the President tasked Frasco to help strengthen the implementation and sustained follow-through of priority national programs, particularly in areas facing climate-related challenges.
“President Marcos congratulated Frasco on her appointment and expressed confidence that under her leadership, the SRC will foster stronger collaborations with local government units, noting Frasco’s background in promoting sustainable local development and implementing national programs at the local level,” it said.
The PCO added that the appointment comes as communities across the country confront increasing disruptions affecting local economies and livelihoods.
Frasco served as Tourism secretary from 2022 to 2026, where she led programs supporting tourism enterprises and strengthened partnerships with local government units nationwide.
She will now take on a broader role focused on sustainable development and resilience at the grassroots level.
“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,” PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro earlier said.
Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso will serve as officer in charge of the DOT.
Frasco previously served as mayor of Liloan, Cebu, from 2016 to 2022 before joining the Cabinet.
She also worked as a law professor at the University of San Carlos and as a senior associate at Romulo Law Offices.
Frasco holds a Juris Doctor degree from Ateneo Law School and a degree in Legal Management from Ateneo de Manila University. She passed the bar examinations in 2007.
The appointment ends months of speculation over Frasco’s possible departure from the tourism portfolio.
The Palace earlier denied reports that she had resigned, clarifying that her movement to a new role was part of the administration’s broader effort to strengthen coordination with local governments and communities.