Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has emerged as one of the most trusted and high-performing leaders in the Marcos administration, earning a stellar 92% job performance rating in the latest “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide survey by the RP-Mission and Development (RPMD) Foundation Inc.
Frasco’s impressive rating lands her in the top three cabinet officials, tying for second place with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (91%) and trailing just behind Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who topped the list at 94%.
Reacting to the recognition, Secretary Frasco was quick to share the credit with her team and partners.
“This recognition is not mine alone,” Frasco said. “It belongs to every hardworking individual in the Department of Tourism and our public and private sector partners who are rebuilding and transforming our industry under the vision of our President.”
Frasco also expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., highlighting how his leadership has empowered the Department of Tourism (DOT) to pursue bold, inclusive programs that uplift millions of Filipinos.
A banner year for tourism
2024 has been nothing short of a renaissance for Philippine tourism. Under Frasco’s leadership, the sector hit an all-time high of PHP760 billion in revenue (approx. USD13 billion)—a 9.04% increase from 2023 and a 126% rebound compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Tourism is now a driving force in the national economy, supporting the livelihoods of over 16.4 million Filipinos, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and NEDA.
Frasco’s success stems from a grassroots, whole-of-government approach to tourism development. Through the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, she’s been on the ground—consulting local communities, engaging with global partners, and turning feedback into strategic action.
Key milestones and bold initiatives
Frasco has redefined what it means to explore the Philippines. Here are just some of the key initiatives rolled out under her leadership:
- Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs): Strategically placed hubs to make travel more comfortable and seamless.
- Enhanced Travel App & 24/7 Tourist Assistance Call Center: Modern tools to boost tourist convenience and safety.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: Now available in key cities for easier and more enjoyable exploration.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity at Tourist Sites: Keeping visitors connected wherever they go.
- e-Visa Systems: A major push to make the Philippines more accessible to international tourists.
She also amplified local pride and cultural heritage through programs like the Philippine Experience Program: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans, and launched the upgraded “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign to capture global attention.
With a strategic eye on fast-growing tourism segments, Frasco has expanded the country’s portfolio to include:
- Gastronomy Tourism
- Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism
- Diving, Golf, Farm, and Cruise Tourism
These efforts are positioning the Philippines as a globally competitive, culturally rich, and inclusive destination.
Public approval rooted in performance
The independent and non-commissioned RPMD survey, conducted face-to-face with 10,000 respondents nationwide and concluded in February 2025, measured the performance of cabinet secretaries based on trust, responsiveness, efficiency, and public visibility.
With a 92% approval rating, Secretary Christina Frasco is not just winning public trust—she’s helping redefine what the future of tourism in the Philippines looks like.