President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as the Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, a strategic new role designed to fortify the country’s local economies against increasing environmental and climate-driven challenges.
The announcement was confirmed today by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. Secretary Frasco will transition from her current leadership at the Department of Tourism (DOT) to spearhead this priority national mandate.
As the Philippines grapples with intensifying climate-related hazards, the President has emphasized the need for a dedicated office to bridge the gap between national policy and community-level execution.
In her new capacity, Secretary Frasco is tasked with:
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Strengthening Resilience: Ensuring local communities are equipped to withstand and recover from environmental disruptions.
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Economic Safeguarding: Protecting livelihoods and small-scale enterprises that serve as the backbone of regional economies.
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Policy Follow-through: Overseeing the sustained implementation of priority national initiatives to ensure they reach the grassroots level effectively. “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,” Castro stated, noting that the appointment comes at a critical time for local disaster-preparedness.
President Marcos Jr. expressed his deep appreciation for Frasco’s tenure at the Department of Tourism. During her leadership, Frasco was credited with revitalizing the industry post-pandemic, deepening partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs), and advocating for the welfare of tourism workers nationwide.
The President conveyed total confidence that her extensive experience in local governance—having served as a multi-term mayor prior to her cabinet role—will be the “defining factor” in her success as an adviser.
Leadership Transition at DOT: To ensure a seamless continuation of tourism programs, the President has designated Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Department of Tourism.
