President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially appointed Dita Angara-Mathay as the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
A seasoned public servant with a distinguished career in trade and international economic engagement, Angara-Mathay is tasked with transforming the Philippine tourism sector into a primary engine for national investment and regional development.
Prior to her appointment, Angara-Mathay served as the Commercial Counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Tokyo. During her tenure, she was instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with Japanese industries—a vital source of capital, technology, and high-value tourism for the Philippines. Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between global market interest and local economic opportunities.
The appointment signals a strategic shift by the Marcos administration to move beyond traditional cultural promotion. The DOT’s new direction will focus on:
-
Job Creation: Leveraging tourism to generate sustainable employment across the archipelago.
-
MSME Support: Linking global partnerships to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to ensure local businesses thrive.
-
Infrastructure & Investment: Attracting foreign direct investment to modernize tourism hubs and regional facilities. “Tourism is more than just a showcase of our heritage; it is a powerful driver of businesses and regional growth,” the administration noted. “Secretary Angara-Mathay’s track record in linking international partnerships to concrete domestic outcomes makes her the ideal leader to ensure tourism gains are felt in every region.”
Under Angara-Mathay’s leadership, the Department of Tourism is expected to work closely with trade and economic agencies to align tourism goals with the country’s broader industrial strategy.
By strengthening the link between international visitors and local industry support, the administration aims to solidify the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination and an investment-friendly hub.
