Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reaffirmed the Marcos Administration’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth as she expressed the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) full support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
During her keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the BARMM Tourism Summit 2025 at the KCC Convention Center in Cotabato City, Frasco said: “The Department of Tourism is committed to work hand in hand with the people of Bangsamoro and the Bangsamoro government as well as local government units, private stakeholders and investors and communities to build a future where BARMM becomes not only a participant, but a leader in Philippine tourism growth.”
“We look forward to transforming BARMM into a domestic tourism hub that brings Filipinos closer to their Muslim and indigenous heritage.”
“By joining forces, together, we look forward to transforming BARMM into a domestic tourism hub that brings Filipinos closer to their Muslim and indigenous heritage, as well as into an international destination of choice, especially for Muslim travelers seeking authenticity, respect for their culture, and collectively transforming the region into a driver of inclusive economic growth that creates jobs, sustains enterprises and empowers families across the region,” the tourism chief added.
She declared that BARMM is ready for tourism, progress, and prosperity.
“BARMM is one such region that holds this immense potential. And that is why I made sure to make my way here to receive the invitation from BARMM was one that I welcome with utmost optimism, because I can see from the energy of this room, from the warmth of the people that have received all of us, and from the hard work of every single person that has contributed to the success of this BARMM Tourism Summit, that BARMM is ready for tourism. BARMM is ready for progress and prosperity,” the tourism head added.
She pointed to BARMM’s landscapes, mosques, textiles, and cuisine as the foundation of a tourism economy that can attract both domestic and international visitors, especially from Muslim-majority nations. She also cited the Philippines’ recognition as an Emerging and Rising Muslim-Friendly Destination in the MasterCard Crescent Rating Global Tourism Index, noting that BARMM is well-positioned to multiply this growth and deliver peace dividends.
Frasco also announced ongoing DOT initiatives in Mindanao, including the establishment of Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) in Tawi-Tawi and Lanao del Sur, the signing of Memorandum Circular on Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, and the rollout of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program for tourism frontliners in BARMM.
She further noted the global promotion of Mindanaoan cuisine at the United Nations (UN) Tourism Gastronomy Forum and interfaith events, underscoring the value of BARMM’s cultural assets on the international stage.
Frasco also commended the launch of the Bangsamoro Tourism Development Plan 2024–2033, a roadmap she said aligns seamlessly with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028 of the Marcos Administration.
“Our mission is clear: to reintroduce the Philippines to the world from the strength of our culture and our pride as Filipinos.”
“Our mission is clear: to reintroduce the Philippines to the world from the strength of our culture and our pride as Filipinos. And so, let this be our collective message coming out of the BARMM Tourism Summit, that the Philippines is a nation built on pride of place, our love for our culture and for one another, as well as for every visitor that comes upon our shores,” she stressed.
The three-day BARMM Tourism Summit 2025 served as the official platform for the launch of the development plan, alongside the unveiling of the Bangsamoro Heritage Pavilion and plenary discussions on cultural identity, peace through tourism, and regenerative ecotourism. BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, represented by his Chief of Staff Jamel Macacua, delivered an inspirational message at the opening program, while Minister Farserina Mohammad of the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism presented the plan’s highlights.
The summit brought together distinguished officials, including members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, local chief executives led by Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao, diplomats including Indonesian Consul General Agus Trenggono, and DOT officials, Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, Regional Directors Nelia Arina (Soccsksargen) and Tanya Rabat-Tan (Davao), and Assistant Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas (Central Visayas), together with government leaders, tourism and trade exhibitors, and private sector executives.
“It is our collective duty as Filipinos to tell the full story of BARMM, as well as all of our regions, with clarity, confidence, and respect, so that more Filipinos can take pride in their heritage, and more visitors can discover the richness and the beauty of who we are as a nation. Together, let us continue this unfinished work of nation-building as one people, guided by heritage, moved by purpose, and united in the hope of things to come,” Frasco concluded.
