Incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco promised to be a “listening secretary” that values the inputs of local government units when creating national policies related to tourism and destinations under their jurisdictions.

In a speech, Frasco underscored the importance of strong coordination between the national government and the LGU as the latter is the one on the ground.

“There is the mandate by the local government code requiring prior coordination between the national and the local government and then there is the reality,” she said.

“What I intend to bring to the Department of Tourism is the perspective of valuing the input of local government units in the crafting of national policy, considering that the policies that are crafted nationally will be implemented by the local government units on the ground,” she added.

Frasco visited the DOT Monday morning to meet with its officials and regional directors.

She will join the Cabinet of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when the latter assumes office on June 30.

At a press briefing, Frasco said she “plans to work hard” to realize Marcos’ vision of expanding countryside development, developing the Philippines’s tourist sites, and giving equal opportunities to lesser-known destinations.

“[T]his means giving focus to all regions in the Philippines, including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to replicate best practices in tourism that have already been proven successful in the various regions and to introduce innovations and digitalization where necessary,” she said.

Frasco said she would also push with her plans to develop Mindanao as a tourist spot while supporting efforts to achieve peace and order in the region.

“[I will] work with the people of Mindanao to prove to the world that they are fully deserving of the attention that they have so needed and deserve,” she said.

She said the DOT with her at the helm would extend necessary assistance and ensure that tourism workers in the region receive appropriate training. (PNA)