Frasco Explains Absence During Typhoon Tino
CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO – The Tourism Secretary confirmed that she was in London on November 4, 2025—the same day Typhoon Tino devastated Cebu.
In a Facebook post, she explained that the trip was part of her official duties as head of the Philippine delegation to the World Travel Market. She arrived in London that morning, attended the Ministerial Summit, and led the opening of the Philippine stand later that evening.
After learning about the severe damage caused by the typhoon in Cebu, Frasco immediately arranged an early flight home on November 5. She arrived in the Philippines on November 6 and proceeded straight to her hometown of Liloan to personally assess the situation and visit families affected by the disaster.
During her visit, Secretary Frasco, together with Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco and Congressman Vincent “Duke” Frasco, distributed DSWD family food packs and provided personal cash assistance to residents in Sitio Tiltilon, Barangay Cotcot. She also held a coordination meeting with local officials to strengthen ongoing relief operations. According to Frasco, about 6,000 food packs were set for deployment that night, with more assistance expected in the coming days.
Frasco said she has already coordinated with the President and Cabinet members to request additional national aid for the regions most affected by Typhoon Tino. She expressed deep gratitude to rescuers and first responders who have been risking their lives to help victims, offering prayers for those who lost their loved ones and homes. She also urged everyone to continue praying and working together during this time of hardship and grief.
Her return to Cebu came amid growing public scrutiny after several netizens questioned the absence of certain government officials from the province’s 5th District during the typhoon. Official documents revealed that some of these officials had secured Foreign Travel Authority permits covering travel dates from October 30 to November 11, while others were authorized to travel from November 1 to 7 to the United Kingdom, coinciding with the World Travel Market event where Frasco represented the Philippines.