Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was honored as this year’s Mabuhay Gold Awardee by the Association of Human Resources Managers in the Hospitality Industry (AHRM), the highest distinction given to a Filipino leader driving the growth and strength of the nation’s hospitality sector.
Secretary Frasco received the prestigious award during the 28th Mabuhay Gold Awards ceremony, often dubbed the Philippine hospitality industry’s “Oscars,” held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday, November 14.
In her powerful acceptance speech, Secretary Frasco dedicated the recognition to the hardworking Filipinos in the industry, emphasizing the DOT’s commitment to ensuring that those who bring the warmth of the Philippines to the world are protected, empowered, and never left behind.
“My work in tourism has always been guided by a simple belief: that the Philippines is greater when we stand together, government, industry, and community, moving with the same purpose to uplift our people,” the Tourism Chief stated. “Every program we launch, every worker we support, every destination we uplift is an act of generosity and care toward our people, a step toward a Philippines that thrives not for one person, but for all.”
Secretary Frasco also highlighted that while the nation’s islands are beautiful, “it is our values that make the Philippines unforgettable: our resilience, our generosity, our instinct to help, our refusal to lose hope, and the grace with which we meet one another in times of challenge.”
The Secretary proudly shared the massive success of the DOT’s flagship initiative, the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program, which aims to raise service standards across the country.
The program has conducted 7,000 training sessions, benefiting more than 380,000 stakeholders across the country. In the current year alone, the DOT has trained over 111,000 tourism workers, equipping them with the superior skills, confidence, and heart that make Filipino service renowned globally.
The annual Mabuhay Awards recognize hospitality heroes across various categories, celebrating those who embody the ‘Mabuhay Spirit’ in a competitive international tourism landscape.
