Frasco hits back at DOT critics

CEBU, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco defended the Department of Tourism (DOT), borrowing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s words from his recent SONA, “mahiya naman kayo,” regarding certain lawmakers who undermined her department’s performance.

Her remarks came in response to criticism from Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre and Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V, who flagged the DOT’s absence in the president’s latest State of the Nation Address and cited lagging tourist arrivals.

But Frasco fired back with figures: P3.86 trillion in visitor receipts generated in 2024, 6.75 million direct jobs sustained, and nearly 10 million more indirectly supported --all delivered with just P200 million in promotional funding, down from P1.2 billion in the previous year.

For 2025, that budget was cut further to P100 million.

“That’s a return of over 1.9 million percent,” Frasco said, “no ghosts. No waste. Just results.”

While acknowledging that tourism is indeed a tool for inclusive growth, Frasco questioned Congress’s decision to defund an industry that she argued is performing despite the odds.

“Congress holds the power of the purse. But when that power is used to defund and punish a top economic driver like tourism, it directly harms our country and our people.”

The DOT welcomed 5.95 million foreign tourists in 2024, falling short of pre-pandemic levels and regional neighbors’ metrics.

Yet Frasco argued the agency is delivering relative to its limited resources, competing with ASEAN counterparts using multimillion-dollar campaigns. She also said visitors now stay longer, averaging 11 nights compared to nine in 2019, a signal of growing interest in the country’s diverse offerings.

 Meanwhile, she also underscored the vital role of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) in shaping Philippine tourism and economic development during its 35th anniversary celebration held at NUSTAR Resort last July 30.

 In her keynote speech, Frasco described the milestone as a testament not only to MCIAA’s institutional strength but also to its enduring influence on national connectivity and inclusive growth.

 “Airports are not simply infrastructure. They are instruments of development and gateways to economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and global engagement,” she said.

 Frasco highlighted MCIAA’s steady expansion from just seven international routes in 2015 to 14 destinations in 11 countries today.

 She credited this growth to sustained interagency coordination and diplomatic engagement with international aviation partners.

 To support continued growth, Frasco cited bold reforms under the Marcos administration, including visa-free access for Taiwan and India, a new Digital Nomad Visa, VAT refunds for tourists, and investment incentives under the Create More Act.

 “Cebu faces real constraints. That’s why infrastructure remains at the heart of our strategy.”

 Over P4 billion in tourism road projects have been implemented in Cebu since 2022, along with new Tourist Rest Areas in Carmen, Medellin, Carcar, and Moalboal.

 Frasco ended with a message of unity and optimism saying, “May the next 35 years be marked not only by stronger institutions but also by a tourism sector that reflects the highest aspirations of our nation. Love Cebu and love the Philippines.”

 In their Facebook post, MCIAA said that as they celebrate their 35th anniversary, it means more than three decades of dedication to safe, seamless, and world-class travel experiences.

 “From a regional gateway to a globally recognized aviation hub, MCIAA continues to grow with every takeoff and landing, driven by innovation, service excellence, and a passion for connecting people and places,” it said.  BRP (CEBU NEWS)