The Philippine government has officially appointed Dita Angara-Mathay as the new Secretary of Tourism as of April 10, 2026. The new secretary aims to attract more investments to foster local industries and ensure the benefits of tourism reach all regions.

With a rich background in international economic relations, Angara-Mathay is expected to leverage her extensive experience in the task ahead. According to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA):

“Her appointment reflects the administration’s aim to position tourism not just as a cultural showcase but as a key driver for jobs, business growth, and regional development.”

Angara-Mathay was previously a commercial counselor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Tokyo, Japan, where she led partnerships, especially in Japan, which is a major tourism market for the Philippines. She has focused on linking global partnerships to local enterprises and fostering development opportunities for Filipino businesses, particularly in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.