The Tourism Secretary received criticism for this photo
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco denied the “self-promotion” allegation.
The appointed government official received criticism when promotional material circulated online showing that Frasco’s face was featured on the cover.
The free magazine called “Philippine Topics”, which is about politics, economy, travel, and lifestyle, used the secretary’s image, and with this, she received accusations that she was promoting herself.
Based on the report from the Philippine News Agency, the Tourism Secretary denied that it was for self-promotion. She stressed that the use of her image for the materials did not have her consent.
Sec. Christina Frasco cited that the free magazine that was distributed in Japan was published independently, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) has no involvement in this.
“I did not pay for that magazine, no government funds were used for that magazine, and my consent was never obtained in the use of my image for that magazine,” Frasco emphasized.
The appointed government official also said that her photos at tourism sites are part of the agency’s official documentation work, and this is not connected to the marketing efforts handled through a separate platform.
She pointed out that her presence in destinations was meant to help craft tourism packages and tourism circuits, and not anything for self-promotion. The secretary also debunked the allegation that she has a political motive.
“I have no national ambition. I am not running for any national position, and therefore any accusation of self-promotion falls flat,” the Tourism Secretary said.
Amid the negative comments, she said the tourism department would continue doing its job in giving support for tourism businesses, as well as in strengthening destinations.
“We will continue to serve. We will continue to show up. And we will continue to do the work,” Frasco stressed