President Marcos appoints trade diplomat to head DOTMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has named Dita Angara-Mathay as secretary of the Department of Tourism, replacing Christina Frasco. In September of that year, the Philippines secured a P51-billion investment from Japanese companies following Mathay’s leadership in these engagements. The former trade diplomat also spearheaded an exhibition last January at the Tokyo Design Hub to showcase the intersection of the Philippine coconut with culture, policy, design and global cooperation. Marcos last month named Frasco as presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities following criticisms over the country’s weak tourism arrivals. Frasco, daughter of former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia, served as mayor of Liloan, Cebu and spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte.

Source: Philippine Star April 10, 2026 16:07 UTC