DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco Assumes Key Role in National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)
In a pivotal move towards promoting lasting peace and economic prosperity in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reaffirmed its support for the whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach of the Marcos administration. This commitment was underscored as Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco took her oath as one of the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) during the 2nd NTF-ELCAC Execom Meeting on August 31, 2023.
The ceremony, administered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., formalized Secretary Frasco’s role as CORDS for the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) in Region VII. The National Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict Executive Committee (NTF-ELCAC Execom) Resolution No. 1 designated Secretary Frasco alongside Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, who was appointed Co-Vice Chairperson of the NTF-ELCAC.
“The approval of the NTF-ELCAC Execom Resolution No. 1 is a tacit manifestation of the enduring commitment of the Marcos administration to upholding lasting peace and economic prosperity,” stated Secretary Frasco. “As the CORDS for the JRTF in Central Visayas, we see this as an opportunity for wider collaboration with our partners and stakeholders in Central Visayas to further our tourism gains.”
As part of her duties, Secretary Frasco, a Cebu native, will articulate the region’s concerns in the Cabinet, assist in the resolution of problems in government operations in the assigned region, and preside over joint meetings of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC). Furthermore, she will ensure the implementation of national government programs and projects, facilitate information dissemination, and conduct consultations with local officials and the private sector.
The orientation for newly-designated CORDS followed their oath-taking, familiarizing them with their roles as heads of the JRTFs. The NTF-ELCAC aims to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and private sectors to address the root causes of armed conflict and insurgency.
Secretary Frasco, known for her proactive approach in equalizing tourism development across regions, has been advocating for the promotion of lesser-known destinations and facilitating the reopening of Mindanao to tourism through convergence with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This collaborative effort seeks to restore tourism in Mindanao, an area previously impacted by conflicts.
The move aligns with the DOT’s commitment to not only boost the tourism sector but also contribute to the broader goal of ensuring peace and stability across the country.