MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s new tourism chief is a trade diplomat whose work spans tourism and economic development.

In a press release on Friday, April 10, Malacañang announced the appointment of Dita Angara-Mathay as the new head of the Department of Tourism, replacing Cebuano politician Christina Garcia-Frasco.

Frasco was tapped to serve as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities in March amid public backlash over her prominence in Philippine tourism promotions.

Prior to her appointment as DOT secretary, Angara-Mathay served as the commercial counselor and special trade representative of the Philippines in Tokyo. In this role, she represented the country in several industrial dialogues and international summits in sectors such as electronics and textiles.