Marcos names new acting DTI secretary

Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque — PHOTO FROM DTI WEBSITE

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Trade Undersecretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as acting secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), following Alfredo Pascual’s decision to return to the private sector.

Malacañang announced Roque’s designation on Friday, two days after it announced Pascual’s resignation as trade secretary. Pascual’s resignation also took effect on Friday.

Before this, Roque was trade undersecretary for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Group and was “instrumental” in executing programs and initiatives for MSMEs.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Mr. Marcos stressed the DTI’s “pivotal role” in the country’s economic growth and “the need for capable leadership” in the agency.

“He noted Roque’s dedication and leadership in the MSME sector make her an excellent choice for the position,” the PCO said in a statement.

In an earlier meeting in Malacañang, the President thanked Pascual for his service and contributions to the DTI during his two-year stint as trade secretary.

“He looks forward to a seamless transition under Acting Secretary Roque’s leadership,” the PCO added.

As trade undersecretary, Roque oversaw critical offices such as the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Bureau of Marketing Development and Promotions, OTOP (One town, One product) Program Management Office and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office.

Small business background

She also managed the operations of the Small Business Corp. and the Cooperative Development Authority, both attached agencies of the DTI.

Prior to joining the government, Roque served as president and chief executive officer of the Kamiseta Group of Companies.

Roque completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management Engineering, minor in Chemical Engineering, at the De La Salle University.

She finished her secondary education at the De La Salle Santiago Zobel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Roque’s primary education was at the Colegio de San Agustin in Makati and the De La Salle Santiago Zobel.

Sectoral support

Earlier this week, the 76-year-old Pascual said his resignation from the DTI came after much reflection to decide to return to the private sector and spend more quality time with his family.

Pascual, a former president of the University of the Philippines, said his stint in the DTI was the “most challenging yet fulfilling experience” in his career.

He thanked the President for the opportunity to serve as a Cabinet official. Mr. Marcos said he was sorry to lose Pascual but respected his decision to return to the private sector.

Meanwhile, two big business groups have expressed support for the acting trade secretary.

“The President could not have picked a better person to lead the Department of Trade and Industry,” said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion in a statement on Friday. Go Negosyo is the advocacy arm of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.

“During her time as undersecretary for the MSME Development Group, she has proven to be a strong ally of the MSMEs, assisting in whatever way she can in pushing for policies that can benefit this critical sector of our economy,” he said.

The Go Negosyo official also cited her appointment as a step forward for female empowerment, noting that Roque is the only other woman to lead the DTI since Lilia Bautista took the helm in 1992.

Additionally, Concepcion thanked Pascual for his support for MSMEs during his stint, expressing optimism for this business sector in the future.

READ: Marcos names Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as acting DTI chief

“Going by how Fred Pascual’s stint at the DTI did so much for the Filipino MSMEs, I think we can look forward to a more vibrant and dynamic MSME sector under Cris Roque’s watch,” he said.

Another prominent business group, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), expressed gratitude for Pascual and his contributions as trade secretary.

MAP president Rene Almendras congratulated Pascual for doing a very good job in pursuing the mandate of the DTI in overseeing the effective implementation of fair-trade laws, protecting consumer welfare through education and information dissemination programs and nurturing an environment that is conducive to doing business.

Pascual’s help in improving the global competitiveness of the Philippines was also highlighted by the MAP. INQ