Newly installed Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay is prioritizing stronger tourism investments and closer alignment with the Marcos administration’s infrastructure and development agenda as she begins her term at the Department of Tourism (DOT).
In her first meeting with heads of DOT attached agencies, Angara-Mathay laid out key priorities for the next two years, emphasizing coordinated efforts across the sector to support economic growth.
“Our collective responsibility is to ensure that the sector continues to support livelihoods, strengthen enterprises, and create opportunities for our communities,” she said.
The DOT said her leadership will focus on positioning tourism as a key driver of inclusive growth, particularly through programs that link investments with national development plans.
Angara-Mathay also underscored the need for cohesive action within the department amid global uncertainties.
“I join the Department at a time when the global environment remains uncertain and increasingly complex. These conditions call for clarity of purpose, strong coordination, and steady leadership across all levels of the Department,” she said.
The meeting was attended by officials from various attached agencies, including the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Tourism Promotions Board, Intramuros Administration, National Parks Development Committee, Duty Free Philippines Corporation, Philippine Retirement Authority, Nayong Pilipino Foundation, and the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Angara-Mathay as tourism chief last week, replacing Christina Frasco, who now serves as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities.
Prior to her appointment, Angara-Mathay served as Commercial Counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo, where she handled partnerships with Japanese industries.
