Bernardita Angara-Mathay | Photo via Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed seasoned trade diplomat Ma. Bernadita “Dita” Angara‑Mathay is the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT), placing an investment‑focused foreign service official at the helm of the country’s tourism portfolio.
Angara‑Mathay previously served as Commercial Counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Tokyo, under the Department of Trade and Industry’s Foreign Trade Service Corps. In that role, she led strategic partnerships with Japanese industries—one of the Philippines’ largest sources of investment, technology, and tourism—and represented the country in major industrial dialogues and international summits, including the SEMI Southeast Asia Investment Forum and Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo.
Government investment reports credited her with helping secure ₱51 billion to ₱56.35 billion in investment commitments from Japanese firms, contributing to job creation and enterprise development in the Philippines.
Background and Early Life
Angara‑Mathay comes from a political family in Aurora and is a relative of Education Secretary Sonny Angara. She is married to Robbie Mathay, former president of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority.
A longtime member of the Foreign Trade Service Corps, she built her career around international economic engagement, enterprise development, and strengthening opportunities for Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Focus as Tourism Secretary
The Presidential Communications Office said her appointment reflects the administration’s push to position tourism not only as a cultural showcase but as a driver of jobs, businesses, and regional development, aligning the sector with broader economic and infrastructure priorities.
In her initial meetings with DOT officials, Angara‑Mathay emphasized the need for “clarity of purpose, strong coordination, and steady leadership” amid an increasingly complex global environment. She underscored that tourism remains a “vital pillar of inclusive economic growth” and called on employees to work together to support livelihoods and strengthen enterprises nationwide.
She also convened the heads of attached agencies to align tourism programs with the administration’s infrastructure agenda, signaling a more investment‑driven approach to destination development and regional competitiveness.
Reactions to Her Appointment
Former Department of Trade and Industry officials praised Angara‑Mathay’s track record in securing Japanese investments and strengthening bilateral economic ties. One former DTI official noted that she had been “successful in encouraging Japanese businesses to invest in the Philippines,” citing her professionalism and deep understanding of international markets.
President Marcos, who earlier lamented the country’s lagging tourism arrivals compared to regional neighbors, expressed confidence that her economic background would help the Philippines “catch up” and strengthen its global competitiveness. During a recent tourism event, he pointed out that the Philippines welcomed only 6 million visitors last year, compared with Thailand’s 30 million, underscoring the urgency of revitalizing the sector.
Transition and Next Steps
Angara‑Mathay succeeds Christina Garcia Frasco, who was reassigned as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities following public criticism over tourism promotional materials. Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso served as officer‑in‑charge during the transition.
As transition briefings continue, officials say a formal tourism policy roadmap is forthcoming. For now, Angara‑Mathay has signaled a leadership style grounded in collaboration, accountability, and economic alignment—aimed at ensuring that tourism growth is felt across all regions of the country.
