With the theme “Quality and Responsible Tourism - Sustaining ASEAN Future," The Philippines, represented by Secretary Frasco, also shared its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices in a series of panel discussions participated by tourism ministers, representatives from various governments, as well as private sector organizations within the region.

“Allow me to express once again the continuing support of the Philippines, on behalf of our President, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., for our common interests and advocacies,” said Frasco.

“For our part, our President has only one and clear mandate for us in our attendance here, and that is to reintroduce the New Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia, whose people are the epitome of warmth and hospitality, and whose poignant smile is next to none,” added the tourism chief.

During her intervention, Secretary Frasco took the opportunity to invite her fellow tourism ministers and National Tourism Organization heads to the Philippines, as the country takes its turn to Chair the 36th UNWTO Joint Commission Meeting of East Asia and the Pacific, and the Commission of South Asia in Cebu this year.

“With the future in mind, we welcome this opportunity to present our best and re-introduce the New Philippines to the world and for all the member-states and affiliates of the UNWTO to see our country from a fresh new perspective of the Filipino story,” the tourism chief said.

Joining the tourism chief in representing the Philippines is National Tourism Organization (NTO) head OIC-Undersecretary Verna C. Buensuceso, Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, and Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno.

The meeting was also attended by ASEAN top officials and tourism ministers from the region.