The Department of Tourism (DOT) has bolstered its leadership ranks with the appointment of three new undersecretaries, including former Philippine Airlines (PAL) president Stanley K. Ng, as the agency intensifies efforts to strengthen the country’s tourism competitiveness and accelerate industry growth.
Ng, along with Maria Victoria Jasmin and Maria Dionesia Rivera-Guillermo, was formally welcomed by the DOT on Monday, adding a mix of aviation, public-sector, and private-sector expertise to the department’s leadership team.
The appointment of Ng is particularly notable given the critical role of air connectivity in tourism development. As former president of flag carrier Philippine Airlines, Ng brings extensive experience in aviation operations, route development, and industry partnerships—areas increasingly seen as vital to boosting visitor arrivals and improving access to destinations across the archipelago.
His entry into the tourism agency comes as the Philippines seeks to sustain its post-pandemic tourism recovery while competing more aggressively with regional destinations for international travelers.
Beyond marketing campaigns, tourism officials have increasingly emphasized the importance of seamless connectivity, transport infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration in driving long-term growth, making Ng’s industry background a potentially valuable asset for the department.
Jasmin and Rivera-Guillermo likewise bring broad experience from both government and private-sector organizations, reinforcing the DOT’s capacity to implement programs focused on tourism investment, destination development, and community-based initiatives.
In a statement, the DOT said the appointments strengthen the agency’s ability to pursue programs, partnerships, and reforms aimed at creating a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable tourism sector.
The department expressed confidence that the new officials will help advance key policies and projects that support tourism stakeholders, generate economic opportunities for local communities, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
The expanded leadership team also signals the DOT’s continuing push to deepen collaboration between government and industry players as it works to unlock new growth opportunities for one of the country’s major economic drivers.
