Frasco’s New Role: Redundancy or Strategic Shift in Philippine Disaster Resilience?

Former Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco’s recent appointment as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities has sparked debate over potential overlap with the existing National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). While Malacañang maintains the President retains full trust in Frasco’s capabilities, questions remain about the precise function of her new role and whether it duplicates existing governmental efforts.

Frasco’s New Mandate

According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Frasco’s responsibilities include:

• Facilitating the integration and alignment of national government initiatives focused on sustainable and resilient communities, encompassing disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable local development.
• Coordinating with national agencies, local governments, and stakeholders to implement presidential directives related to sustainability and resilience.
• Monitoring the progress of these initiatives and identifying any coordination issues.

Overlap with the NDRRMC

A significant portion of these functions already fall under the purview of the NDRRMC, led by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, extensively details the state’s role in building resilient communities and implementing sustainable development strategies [Official Gazette]. Section 6 of the same act specifically grants the NDRRMC the authority to advise the President on disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response, and to recommend the declaration of states of calamity [Official Gazette].

This raises the question of whether Frasco’s position will be redundant, essentially advising the council that already advises the President.

Addressing Concerns of Trust and Performance

Frasco’s reassignment follows public criticism regarding her focus on self-promotion within the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) social media and marketing materials, rather than highlighting Philippine travel destinations. This led to speculation about her potential removal from the Cabinet, which Malacañang confirmed on March 12th.

Castro emphasized that President Marcos Jr. Believes Frasco can effectively coordinate with local governments to mitigate the impact of disasters. Although, critics argue that this coordination is already a core function of the NDRRMC. Placing Frasco within the NDRRMC structure might have been a more logical step.

On-the-Ground Experience

Frasco has demonstrated a willingness to engage directly with disaster-affected communities. She was present in Bogo City, Cebu, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in September 2025, assisting the tourism sector in Northern Cebu [Department of Tourism]. She also left her duties at the World Travel Market in November 2025 to attend to her constituents in Liloan, Cebu, after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) caused significant damage.

Tourism Leadership Transition and the ASEAN Summit

The timing of Frasco’s transition is particularly sensitive, coinciding with preparations for the ASEAN Summit in Cebu in May 2026. The summit is expected to attract a large influx of international delegates and tourists. With Frasco’s departure, Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso is currently serving as the temporary head of the DOT. The lack of a permanent appointment creates uncertainty about the country’s tourism strategy leading up to this major event.

The Philippines faces the challenge of effectively positioning itself for foreign guests during what promises to be a peak tourism season for Cebu.

Key Takeaways

• Christina Frasco has been appointed as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities.
• Her new role overlaps significantly with the existing functions of the NDRRMC.
• The appointment follows criticism of Frasco’s performance as Tourism Secretary.
• The transition occurs during a critical period as the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summit.
• The long-term effectiveness of Frasco’s new role remains to be seen.

Whether Frasco’s appointment represents a strategic move to enhance disaster resilience or a redundant layer of bureaucracy remains to be seen. Further clarification from the President regarding the specific goals and scope of her advisory role is anticipated in the coming days.