CA confirms entrepreneur as trade and industry chief

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion with new DTI acting chief Cristina Aldeguer-Roque. —Photo from Go Negosyo

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, an entrepreneur who founded the clothing brand Kamiseta, as secretary of trade and industry.

During the hearing, Roque received the support of all attending members of the commission, which is composed of 12 lawmakers each from the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the president of the upper chamber as chair.

“Under her leadership, she will ensure and foster an environment that provides comprehensive support to existing and emerging businesses, particularly to [micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)],” Sen. Joel Villanueva, the CA assistant majority leader, said during the hearing.

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Prior to her appointment, Roque was a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) undersecretary responsible for the DTI’s Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Bureau of Marketing Development and Promotions, the One Town, One Product Program Management Office and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office.

Before joining the government, Roque was president of the Kamiseta Group of Companies, which she founded in 1990.

She completed her bachelor’s degree in industrial management engineering from 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.

According to Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, the head of the DTI’s Board of Investments, Roque’s confirmation is the fastest confirmation on record based on his recollection.

The hearing lasted nearly two hours and 27 minutes.

“Plus [it only took] one hearing. And then the hearing was also fast. And I don’t think there are contentious issues or questions. If at all, mostly clarifications and expressions of support,” Rodolfo told reporters when asked about the confirmation.

President Marcos announced Roque’s appointment as acting secretary of the DTI on Aug. 2, two days after the resignation of the previous trade secretary, Alfredo Pascual.

Roque has made MSMEs the main focus of her policy direction, highlighting that these make up 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines and employ around 60 percent of the country’s workforce.

She has also laid out a five-point plan for developing local MSMEs, with the initiatives including the utilization of artificial intelligence and digitalization, diversification, funding the business sector, franchising and mentoring and providing strategic learning.