Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was honored as the recipient of this year’s prestigious Garbo sa Ormoc Award 2024, during a ceremony held at the Ormoc Superdome in Ormoc City, Leyte.
Reflecting on her roots, Frasco fondly recalled the values and experiences she gained from Ormoc’s close-knit community, which continue to guide her both personally and professionally.
“To be honored by the very community that helped shape my formative years is a distinction I will forever hold dear,” the tourism chief remarked in her speech.
“Through the incredible resilience and industry of the Ormocanon, I learned the values of perseverance and the importance of hard work.”
“Through the incredible resilience and industry of the Ormocanon, I learned the values of perseverance and the importance of hard work…These values I brought with me when I became Mayor of Liloan in Cebu, and I continue to learn from these lessons in my role as tourism secretary,” the tourism head added.
Frasco highlighted that the values she absorbed from Ormoc continue to inspire her mission to promote inclusive tourism development across the Philippines.
She underscored her commitment under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that tourism development reaches the farthest corners of the country and that opportunities are given for gainful livelihood and employment in tourism benefit as many Filipinos as possible.
Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez also expressed her deep appreciation for the honor Frasco brings to the Ormocanon community.
In her speech, Torres-Gomez acknowledged the tourism chief’s achievements and their impact on the city’s reputation.
“You do us very proud.”
“Thank you very much. You do us very proud,” the lady mayor remarked, emphasizing the pride felt by the entire community for having one of their own recognized in such a prestigious position.
Now in its 11th year, the Garbo sa Ormoc Awards, organized by the Local Government Unit of Ormoc in partnership with the Ormoc Festival and Cultural Foundation, Inc., is a key highlight of the city’s 77th Charter Foundation Day celebration.
This esteemed event stands as a testament to Ormoc’s unwavering commitment to honoring the achievements of its people. It not only celebrates past accomplishments but also inspires future generations to strive for excellence, fostering a strong sense of pride and progress within the community.
The event brought together local government leaders, artists, and key stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of Ormoc’s most outstanding citizens.
Notable attendees included Congressman Richard Gomez of Leyte’s 4th District, Vice Mayor Leo Locsin Sr., Charter Day Executive Committee Chairman Jude Abenoja, Ormoc Festival and Cultural Foundation (OFCF) Chairperson Estrella Pangilinan, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karen Tiopes, renowned Filipino designer Furne Amato, along with Frasco’s sister Carissa Garcia and cousin Karen Fiel Tio, among others.
