Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was honored with the prestigious Golden Peacock Excellence in Government Service Award 2025 on Wednesday (November 19) during the Thanksgiving Night celebration of the 75th Anniversary of India–Philippines Diplomatic Relations.
The event, hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Philippines (FICCI) at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, gathered leaders and diplomats to affirm the deep friendship and shared values of democracy, diversity, and development between the two nations.
Secretary Frasco received the Golden Peacock Excellence Award, an international distinction recognizing her exemplary leadership and tireless efforts in transforming Philippine tourism into a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive sector. The award highlights the Administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to good governance and service excellence.
In her acceptance speech, Secretary Frasco dedicated the honor to the industry’s workforce, expressing profound gratitude. “I receive this recognition with profound humility and gratitude on behalf of all of the tourism workers of the country who, notwithstanding challenges and non-stop calamities in the past few months, wake up every day with courage, conviction, and that deep love for the Philippines. It is they that inspire us in the Department of Tourism to continue the work of developing and promoting all that is good about our country,” she said.
The celebration underscored the strengthening of bilateral ties in the Indo-Pacific region, reflected in growing cooperation across key sectors including trade, education, culture, and tourism.
Recent milestones highlighting the growing tourism partnership include the signing of the 2025–2028 Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation during President Marcos’ State Visit to India in August. Further strengthening people-to-people connections are the launch of New Delhi–Manila direct flights and reciprocal visa-free travel policies, all vital steps in fostering mutual understanding and visitor flow.
Secretary Frasco concluded her message by reiterating the profound role of the industry. “Tourism has always been, for us, much more than leisure. It is a fount of hope, a source of opportunity, and a reflection of the pride, dignity, and love that define our nations. Every artisan, every tour guide, every small business owner contributes to a story of courage and creativity that pervades all the regions of our country. A story that shows the world who we are—a people who endure, who rise again and again from every trial and who always rebuild.”
DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao accompanied Secretary Frasco at the event.
