Despite calls for her to step down: Frasco not resigning

CEBU, Philippines — Snubbing calls for her resignation, embattled Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco is standing her ground, saying she will not “betray the trust” given to her.

“A little over a year ago, we all gathered where you expressed your elation and happiness at a Cebuana having been appointed as the secretary of the Department of Tourism. Back then I knew as I continue to understand that it has been and is incumbent upon me to not to betray your trust,” said Garcia-Frasco, who is facing tremendous criticisms over the “Love The Philippines” campaign slogan fiasco.

The DOTs audio-video presentation during the new slogan’s formal launching reportedly used stock images and videos of scenes taken outside of the country.

Garcia- Frasco said she still enjoys the trust and confidence of the country’s chief executive.

“Tungod adtong panahuna sa niaging tuig, ako nanumpa kaninyo mga makalaum kamo nga dad-on nako sa akong kasing-kasing ang kaligdong sa usa ka Sugbuanon nga moatubang sa bisan unsa nga hagit ug kalisud ug moingon kumbati Sugbo, kumbati Pilipinas Kumbati, Love The Philippines!” she said.

As an expression of support for Garcia-Frasco and the DOT, Governor Gwen Garcia, who is Christina’s mother, along with political and business leaders, expressed their support to the younger Garcia.

“Allow me to speak as a mother, who is extremely pained witnessing what her beloved daughter gone through these past few weeks unfairly criticized, bashed, ridiculed for a sin she did not commit and yet daughter as she is to this mother stood her ground and that is why I am especially grateful for your presence here this morning,” said Gwen.

Tra Unveiled

Christina led the official turnover and inauguration ceremonies of the first completed Tourist Rest Area in the country located in Medellin, Northern town of Cebu.

The TRA, flagship project of the DOT, is a convergence point that foreign and local travelers could approach by getting information on tourism sites and attractions, activities, accommodations; reporting concerns related to safety and security; and gaining access to other provisions necessary during their stay at a destination, such as a clean restroom.

The facility also has “charging” stations and a pasalubong center that would help boost the livelihood of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Identified as a basic need for every traveling guest, the TRA also features a clean restroom and shower area—all free for guests to use.

“Every detail of a tourist journey is important to the department of tourism and that is why we decided to address one of the most basic necessities of travel–clean and decent restrooms and information center and pasalubong center,” Christina said in her speech.

The DOT is slated to break ground for 15 more TRAs in strategic locations in the country.

DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano emphasized that the construction of TRA is not just about clean restrooms.

“These are the results of our continued collaborative efforts with the local government units and the continued assurance to the rest of our stakeholders, even foreign, domestic, public or private, as we continue to promote and develop the tourism industry in the region and nationwide,” Tamano said.

Medellin

As he affirmed his support for the DOT, Medellin Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr. said in a speech that he is grateful that Medellin has been chosen as one of the towns where the TRA was constructed to cater to tourists traveling around Cebu Island province.

“The municipality of Medellin has the privilege to be the first LGU to inaugurate and turnover this prestigious tourist rest area facility. Tourism is indeed a game changer of Medellin, we, being an agricultural town for several decades, and we recognize the vital role of tourism as the prime moving factor in our local development,” Mondigo added.

TRAs are a part of the DOT’s strengthened collaborative efforts with the LGUs in tourism initiatives. They provide clean rest rooms, coffee shops, pasalubong centers, charging stations, and information booths for the transient visitors in need of these.

The Cebu provincial government said that it would match the number of TRAs the DOT will put up in Cebu, with the first to be constructed in Bogo City.

Other areas where the DOT broke ground on TRAs include Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon; Samal Island in Davao del Norte; the towns of Carcar, Carmen and Moalboal in Cebu; Dauis in Bohol; Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte; Roxas in Palawan; and Baguio City. – (FREEMAN)