Tourism stakeholders and regional directors of the Department of Tourism (DOT) gathered to honor former DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco for what they described as hands-on and transformative leadership that reshaped Philippine tourism.

For four years, Frasco led sustainable tourism, strengthened the country’s global branding, and worked closely with local governments and private partners to drive community-centered recovery.

Former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor, now chairman and president of the International School of Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines, praised Frasco for turning plans into action.

“When you say something to her, she implements it. She looks [at it], reads it, and implements. I think that’s the most important. Passion is something else. Passion without implementation is nothing. And I remember meeting her in the listening tours she has been doing. And I always say, we want you to succeed, because you have the heart, and the intelligence and knowledge to put this tourism department where it should be,” Gabor said.

Chef Miguel Moreno, the first Tausug and Mindanaoan chef recognized by Michelin, credited Frasco for inspiring visits to destinations such as Batanes and Zamboanga.

’Ive been in the industry so long that you won’t believe it, the only time I was able to go to Batanes and of course, Zamboanga and the others I missed because I was sick, is because of you. I would have not ridden a small plane to Batanes, I’m so scared of small planes. And of course, you know, the mindset before, ages ago, that no, you don’t go to Mindanao. But I had to go because you were there and I was so glad I did it because the beauty of the country should be visited. It’s not just like, well, it’s not just promoting it. It’s visiting and appreciating the culture, the Filipino culture, and the sites of the Philippines,” Moreno said.

Cathy Turvill, founding president of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines, noted that medical and wellness tourism flourished under Frasco.

“By focusing on wellness, she has touched the lives of women and reached international shores,” Turvill said.

James Montenegro, president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), highlighted Frasco’s accessibility and proactive leadership.

He noted her responsiveness to industry concerns, coordination with local governments, and support for TCP’s presence inside the DOT central office in Makati City.

Regional directors and tourism stakeholders lauded her consistent and inspiring leadership.

“She leaves all of us with a legacy of inspiration to do better, to be better, and to lead with the same dedication she has always shown,” CARAGA Director Ivonnie Dumadag said.

Maria Paz Alberto of the Pacific Asia Travel Association-Philippines called Frasco the “best tourism Secretary,” praising her efforts to equalize opportunities across regions and cement her lasting impact on the country’s tourism.

Frasco, a three-term mayor of Liloan town in Cebu, was handpicked by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as tourism chief in 2022.

She now assumes her new role as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities.