Frasco gets new role as communities dev’t adviser

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed outgoing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, Malacañang announced last week.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the newly created role aims to strengthen the implementation of priority national programs at the local level, particularly as communities confront increasing climate-related threats.

Castro explained that the appointment comes at a time when many areas across the country are experiencing more frequent climate hazards that disrupt local economies and livelihoods.

“As many areas across the country face increasing climate-related hazards and disruptions that affect local economies and livelihoods, the President has tasked Secretary Frasco to take on this role to help strengthen the implementation and sustained follow-through of priority national initiatives at the community level,” she said.

Frasco will step down as head of the Department of Tourism, a position she has held since 2022.

Malacañang said the agency will temporarily be led by Officer in Charge Verna Buensuceso, an undersecretary of the department.

Castro added that President Marcos expressed gratitude for Frasco’s service at the tourism department and voiced confidence that her experience working with local governments would remain valuable to the administration.

“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,” Castro said.

The announcement came amid reports that the President has chosen seasoned trade diplomat Dita Angara-Mathay as the next tourism secretary.

Frasco’s tenure at the tourism department had drawn criticism in recent months, including backlash over alleged excessive self-promotion during her time in office.