Marcos Appoints Dita Angara-Mathay as New Tourism Secretary
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially appointed Dita Angara-Mathay, the Philippine trade representative to Tokyo, Japan, as the new secretary for the Department of Tourism. This significant announcement was made by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on April 10, 2026, marking a strategic shift in the administration's approach to the tourism sector.
Background and Experience of the New Appointee
Dita Angara-Mathay brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as a commercial counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo. In this capacity, she was instrumental in leading strategic partnerships with Japanese industries, which are among the Philippines' key sources of investment, technology, and tourism. Her career has been characterized by a focus on linking global partnerships to tangible outcomes, such as supporting enterprise development, strengthening industries, and expanding opportunities for Filipino businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Administration's Vision for Tourism
The PCO emphasized that Mathay's appointment reflects the administration's commitment to positioning tourism not merely as a cultural showcase but as a robust driver of jobs, businesses, and regional development. According to the PCO statement, the goal is to further align tourism with economic growth by attracting more investments, supporting local industries, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are distributed across various regions of the country.
Context of the Appointment
This appointment comes nearly a month after the former Tourism secretary, Christina Frasco, was reassigned to a new role as presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities. Frasco's removal from office followed criticism over allegations of "self-promotion" through the agency's promotional materials, highlighting the administration's focus on ethical leadership and effective governance in the tourism sector.
The move underscores President Marcos Jr.'s strategy to leverage experienced professionals like Mathay to enhance the Philippines' tourism industry, aiming for sustainable economic progress and broader community impact.
