Dita Angara-Mathay is moving swiftly to tighten coordination across the country’s tourism ecosystem, convening the heads of key attached agencies to align programs with the infrastructure and development agenda of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..
In a high-level meeting held April 16 at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office in Makati, Angara-Mathay outlined priority initiatives aimed at accelerating tourism investments while ensuring that sectoral growth keeps pace with the administration’s broader push for infrastructure-led development.
Among those present were Mark T. Lapid of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Maria Margarita M. Nograles of the Tourism Promotions Board, Joan M. Padilla, and Cecille A. Lorenzana-Romero of the National Parks Development Committee.
Also in attendance were Patrick Joel M. Cinco, Roberto Z. Zozobrado, Marygrace A. Ac-ac, and Marco Angelo Ancheta of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving.
The meeting signals a coordinated effort to unify tourism development strategies—from infrastructure rollout and destination enhancement to promotions and niche market expansion—under a single, coherent direction.
Earlier, Angara-Mathay also gathered the DOT Executive Committee following her oath of office, setting the tone for her leadership with a clear call for discipline and cohesion across the Department.
“I join the Department at a time when the global environment remains uncertain and increasingly complex,” she said. “These conditions call for clarity of purpose, strong coordination, and steady leadership across all levels of the Department.”
She emphasized that tourism remains a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth, stressing the need to sustain its role in generating livelihoods, strengthening enterprises, and expanding opportunities for communities nationwide.
“Our collective responsibility is to ensure that the sector continues to support livelihoods, strengthen enterprises, and create opportunities for our communities,” she added.
In her message to DOT personnel, Angara-Mathay underscored the importance of professionalism, accountability, and shared purpose as the agency navigates evolving global and domestic challenges.
“I count on every member of the Department—across all levels—to bring your professionalism, dedication, and sense of purpose,” she said. “Together, we will focus on doing the work needed to support Philippine tourism and the people who depend on it.”
With a renewed push for alignment and execution, the DOT signals a more synchronized approach—one that ties tourism growth closely with infrastructure expansion and national development priorities, positioning the sector as a key driver of the country’s economic momentum.