Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of women in the tourism industry during the “Women in Tourism Forum” held recently at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, in celebration of National Women’s Month.
Organized in partnership with the UST-College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), the forum tackled the Department’s commitment, under the Marcos Administration, to advancing gender-responsive tourism development by recognizing and empowering women across all sectors of the tourism value chain.
In her keynote address, Frasco emphasized that tourism must be guided by inclusive and transformative policies that go beyond numerical targets to uplift and protect tourism workers, particularly women.
“We foresee a future where women lead, innovate and excel in every industry, transforming the Philippines into a more inclusive, dynamic and progressive nation.”
“Today, as we celebrate National Women’s month, we reaffirm the invaluable contributions of women across all sectors, particularly tourism. We foresee a future where women lead, innovate and excel in every industry, transforming the Philippines into a more inclusive, dynamic and progressive nation,” the tourism chief said.
“Women have long played an integral role in Philippine tourism, not just as guardians of our culture and heritage, but as innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders. Our roster of speakers are the best evidence of this fact that women are leading in tourism and are making an imprint upon our world to make it one that fosters cultural understanding and collaboration,” the tourism head added.
Reflecting on her own public service journey—from serving as a three-term mayor of Liloan, Cebu, where she led the creation of the province’s first dedicated offices for women, children, and LGBTQIA+ communities, to becoming the youngest member of the Marcos Cabinet—Frasco highlighted the importance of leadership that centers on women in national development.
She also spoke from the perspective of a proud working woman, mother, and wife, acknowledging the balancing act that many women navigate in both their professional and personal lives.
Among the Department’s initiatives led by the Office of Special Concerns (OSC) is the TourISM WoRCS (Tourism Integrates, Supports, and Minds Women’s Rights and Child Safety) program, which safeguards the rights and welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups through targeted training on trafficking prevention and protection.
The DOT has integrated family-friendly features into its flagship tourism infrastructure projects including the Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) which feature breastfeeding rooms, and pasalubong centers that support women-led MSMEs by showcasing locally made products. The Department has also inaugurated its first child-minding center at the Central Office in Makati—to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for employees, especially working mothers.
The DOT likewise continues to converge with national government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to promote social protection programs for tourism workers, and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for the Bayani sa Turismo program, which supports the reintegration of returning overseas Filipinas via tourism-focused skills training and livelihood assistance.
In terms of community development, the Department champions women-led tourism initiatives through its flagship Tourism Champions Challenge program, with standout projects such as the Lampinigan SANDS infrastructure in Basilan, led by a local women’s association.
The Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Caravans also shine a spotlight on women’s narratives, from the artistry of T’nalak dream weavers in Lake Sebu, to the diverse roles women play in preserving Filipino culture and heritage across regions.
The DOT further demonstrated leadership in gender and tourism dialogue by supporting the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) International Conference on Women in Travel held in Panglao, Bohol last year.
Frasco also shared that women comprise over 56% of the Department’s workforce, with 62% holding key leadership positions—underscoring its institutional commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
She commended UST for its longstanding excellence in producing competent and service-oriented professionals, particularly women, in the field of tourism through its academic programs and values-based education.
Frasco then urged the students to embrace their vital role as future leaders in tourism.
“Every time you welcome someone into our country, you are inviting them to become part of our story.”
“Let your passion for tourism and hospitality be a force for good. Let it inspire you to not only create unforgettable experiences for others but also build a lasting legacy of pride in our Filipino roots. And remember, every time you welcome someone into our country, you are inviting them to become part of our story. And you are ensuring that the story is told with love, authenticity, and pride,” she concluded.
The forum gathered over 350 tourism and hospitality students and featured inspiring stories from women professionals across aviation, hospitality, travel services, and content creation.
