Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco has issued an order directing the Department of Tourism’s regional offices and local government units to remove promotional materials that feature her name and image.
The directive came after questions were raised in the Senate regarding marketing materials produced by the DOT, including a magazine feature where Frasco was prominently highlighted.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum, Frasco said she instructed DOT offices to take down materials carrying her photograph. She also said streamers displaying her name should no longer be posted.
The issue surfaced a day after senators criticized the department’s promotional campaigns, pointing to materials that appeared to emphasize the tourism chief rather than tourism programs.
Frasco reiterated that she did not authorize the publication of her feature in a Japanese magazine. She described it as “unauthorized” and said it was released without her consent.
Because of the incident, she said she has already communicated with the publication involved to seek an explanation.
The tourism secretary’s statements were made amid continuing public attention over the use of government promotional platforms and how officials are represented in marketing campaigns.
Frasco did not provide further details on how quickly the materials would be removed nationwide, but her order applies to all regional offices under the DOT as well as partner LGUs.
The Department of Tourism has been promoting various destinations and tourism activities across the country, but the recent Senate remarks have placed scrutiny on the department’s advertising approach.
The matter remains under discussion following the Senate’s observations and Frasco’s response to remove materials connected to her personal image.
