New DOT chief Frasco gets warm welcome
THE newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) underscored the need for synergy between the local government units (LGUS) and the national government in the development of tourism destinations.
In a brief press conference on Monday, Tourism Secretarydesignate Christina Garcia Frasco said, “It is imperative that in crafting national policy, we must seek the practical knowledge of those who are at the front lines.”
She added, “I intend to be a listening Tourism Secretary. To listen to the hopes and aspirations of our LGUS as far as the development of their respective tourist destinations, and to find a way to make their desires cohesive as well with the overarching desire of the administration of President-elect Marcos to expand countryside development, to further develop our country as a tourism destination, and to give equal opportunities to all.”
Tourism stakeholders hope Frasco’s long experience as a mayor of Liloan, Cebu will enable her to push one of DOT’S main tasks— the accreditation of tourism establishments, enterprises, transport services, and tour guides—and help upgrade their skills to service their guests safely and comfortably. DOT estimates only 50-60 percent of tourism establishments in the country have been accredited by the agency; many LGUS issue business and construction permits to hotels and resorts without requiring DOT accreditation, despite a memorandum order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Meet and greet
FRASCO was warmly welcomed by DOT employees as she visited their office for the first time. They gave her a bouquet of f lowers and a cake, while she gamely posed for selfies, herself holding up the employee’s phone camera. She then met with DOT’S main officials, among them the undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, heads of the attached agencies, and regional directors.
According to one of those who attended a meeting with the new boss, “I’m happy and grateful to note she is quite grounded, gracious, and highly intelligent. In her spontaneous speech, she committed to harvest existing good programs, identify gaps to improve on, and underscored the need to ensure programs are felt by way of taking care of stakeholder needs, both from the private sectors.”
The source added, “Her speech was substantive even if brief, as she set the policy direction of the DOT. And she really had an air of humility and sincerity.”
Said another, “The meeting was cordial and friendly. The intent to help is there. Maybe she just needs to learn further the operational details of the agency. Her focus is really on partnership and good governance.”