Quick Read
- President Marcos has appointed Christina Frasco as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities.
- Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso will serve as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism.
- The transition follows public criticism regarding Frasco’s use of promotional materials during her tenure as tourism secretary.
Transition to Presidential Advisory Role
MANILA (Azat TV) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco to the position of Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities. The move marks a formal transition for Frasco, who has led the Department of Tourism (DOT) since the start of the current administration in 2022.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the appointment on Thursday, stating that Frasco will shift her focus toward strengthening national initiatives at the community level. The administration cited the increasing frequency of climate-related hazards and their impact on local economies as the primary impetus for the new advisory role.
Leadership Shift at the Department of Tourism
Following Frasco’s reassignment, the Department of Tourism will be led by Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who will serve as the officer-in-charge. Buensuceso is a long-standing official within the agency, having served in various capacities since 2013, including as an assistant secretary and head of the Marketing Development Group.
The change in leadership follows months of speculation regarding the DOT’s direction. During her tenure, Frasco faced public and legislative scrutiny over allegations of self-promotion, specifically concerning tourism promotional materials and media coverage that featured her image. While the Palace maintained that Frasco was not resigning but rather transferring to a new role, the development comes amid a period of heightened public discourse regarding the agency’s branding strategies.
Focus on Community Resilience
In her new capacity, Frasco is expected to leverage her experience as the former mayor of Liloan, Cebu, to support the administration’s priorities. According to official statements, the President emphasized the need for a sustained follow-through on government projects that directly affect local livelihoods, particularly in regions vulnerable to environmental disruptions.
The appointment of a former cabinet secretary to a specialized advisory role often signals a strategic shift in executive priorities, moving from sector-specific management to the broader, cross-agency coordination of climate-resilient development initiatives.